TOURISM IS OUR BUSINESS, let’s play our part.
That was the slogan once used by tourism officials, but it is still one that is not only apt but should constantly reverberate across the country.
As the December 15 start of the winter season approaches, the focus must be on tourism, which continues to be the No. 1 foreign exchange earner even at this time when the economy is not the strongest.
It is therefore critical that each and every Barbadian understands and appreciates the importance of this industry and the small part we can all play in its sustainability.
With thousands expected to flock to these shores, it would behove us to make sure that every business and every individual rolls out the red carpet when it comes to service to ensure that customers, both visitors and locals, are well satisfied.
At this juncture, when competition for the customer’s dollar is very strong, service is paramount, coupled with the need to offer value for money. No longer are people prepared to just accept whatever may come their way.
Instead, customers want to see the value of buying products and they insist on good service being offered. Failing that, the choice and power is theirs to walk away empty-handed or go to the next business.
Optimism
Amidst the doom and gloom being spread around this time, it was heartening to hear the president of the Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association expressing optimism about the prospects for the two upcoming tourist seasons – winter and summer. Sunil Chatrani said projections were strong in terms of numbers for summer.
He was speaking at the welcoming ceremony for the inaugural Delta Airlines flights from Atlanta and New York, which touched down recently at Grantley Adams International Airport. He said the additional airlift capacity provided by the reintroduction of Delta into Barbados would redound to the benefit of this country.
Equally, the news from the recently appointed chief executive officer of the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc., William “Billy” Griffith, that officials were looking forward to this year’s tourist season was welcomed. Even with some challenges in the Caribbean, there were improvements in the major markets.
Then earlier this week, Barbados welcomed a set of visitors from Canada as Air Canada celebrated its 65th year flying into the island.
So, with the winter season about to start, it is doing so on a positive note and there is much to feel upbeat about.
We therefore open our hearts and home to those visiting these shores, as every Barbadian strives to ensure that the coming winter season and the following summer season are both bright for us all.
