LAST YEAR WAS a record year for tourist arrivals and every Barbadian will be hoping that we can surpass the new mark of 571 892 this year.
Certainly, every proud Barbadian must hope that next year we will do even better, and the next.
After all, growth in the tourism sector is vital to the economic recovery of this island. It means jobs and foreign currency; it means opportunities for men and women, young and old.
But growth in arrivals will not happen by wishing alone. Sue Springer, Alvin Jemmott, Bernie Weatherhead and Richard Sealy all know that visitors will not simply pick Barbados because of some nebulous reason.
So we will have to continue promoting this gem of the Caribbean as a heritage destination and a haven for sports tourism, especially when the English cricket team is playing here as will be the case next March. Yes, for those with a love for polo, horse racing or motor sports, rest assured that Bim is the place to be.
Of course the island continues to be an ideal wedding and honeymoon destination and the place to hold a small or mid-size convention. For those interested in learning more about the culture of the homeland of Rihanna, well, they can take in Holders Season, Crop Over and a range of other festivals.
But, there is one feature about Barbados which its tourism officials need to promote. Barbados has been a relatively safe destination, with perhaps only Martinique being considered a safer place in the Caribbean. Without idle chest-thumping, this is something to exploit.
Recent events in Orlando, Florida suggest that it is a golden opportunity for Barbados to show itself as a welcoming and friendly destination to all people. We already exhibit tremendous religious tolerance and must now capitalise on embracing people regardless of race and sexual preference. Yes, Barbados as a tourist destination must not discriminate against members of the LGBT community.
But, I wonder how prepared are our front-line hospitality workers in making this niche sector feel at home here. It is something we should address urgently, if we have not already done so, since the members of the LGBT community approach life differently from those of the past. What was once hidden and kept in the closet is now in the open and highlighted with pride.
We cannot forget that we get the majority of our visitors from Britain and United States where same-sex marriages and unions are legal. That has implications for us. When a woman and her wife, or a man and his husband arrive at the immigration desk at the Grantley Adams International Airport, is the officer going to stamp their documents and keep the line moving? When they check in at the hotel front desk will it cause sniggering and gossip or will they be warmly ushered to their room?
The message is clear. The taxi driver to the restaurant wait staff, those offering services whether on a glass bottom boat or at the Harrison Cave must be prepared for the new visitors.
Of course, it is likely that they will come more frequently by cruise ship, and will expect a welcome free of harassment.
It is a segment of the tourism market that we cannot ignore or pretend does not exist.
The evolving world of gay travel is something those in tourism have to think about and plan for, given our market demands. Perhaps we should look to Hilton Worldwide for some guidance as this brand name hotel, with a member of its chain in Barbados, has become an LGBT-friendly property.
How we respond will be critical and could mean the difference between success and failure, economic growth, return on equity, and retention of jobs.
And we do not have to give up on our personal beliefs.
