It’s a subject that has been discussed seemingly ad infinitum, but perhaps now is the time that we at least try a little harder to make it a reality. The question is, can those of us in tourism do more to support other sectors within the economy?
The simple answer is yes!
During our extended winter season (six months) we invite local artisans to set up in our reception area and entice our guests to view and hopefully purchase.
To us, it’s a win-win situation for everyone. Our guests leave with a “genuine” souvenir of their stay on Barbados, we have helped retain foreign earnings rather than importing goods while providing a complimentary selling platform for selected vendors.
I made the suggestion some time ago that one of the trade bodies like the Barbados Manufacturers’ Association or Small Business Association should sponsor small display cases containing products made locally, with some guidance on costs and where to purchase them, which would be prominently displayed in hotel foyers.
Another way the hotels could help, on set days during off-peak periods, one or more Transport Board buses could ferry guests to and from Pelican Village. To ensure that it was cost-effective, a charge of $10 per person would be paid which could be redeemable against a purchase of $50 or more. Once it became sustainable, the next logical step would be a fully liveried bus that when not in use by Pelican Village, would provide a larger-than-life roaming advertisement.
During our ongoing renovations we are putting the final touches to decorating seven architecturally beautiful alcoves that once served as a dining area. Most of our guests prefer to eat “under the stars” so they have not been in practical use for some time.
We re-open in October for a private wedding group from the United States who have booked the entire hotel, and by November we will be fully functional.
By then, we hope to have persuaded a number of local artists to display their works in this transformed area which will become known as ArtCoves.
There will be absolutely no costs payable by the artists or commissions expected, with just the hope that many of our cherished visitors will return to their homes with an original painting.
It’s always been our wish to have at least one Barbadian piece of art in every room, but the present economic challenges do not allow it.
This is again where the spirit of the entrepreneur needs to rise above those blessed with artistic or crafting skills.
If I was an artist, I might perhaps be tempted to place a small percentage of my work on a sale-or-return basis in hotels just to test whether it could provide another meaningful outlet for sales.
During this particularly difficult period, we all have to think of ways that we can help each other, because ultimately it will benefit everyone.
I could not finish this week’s column without a sincere thank you to Jane Hoyles, who recently produced a stunning video on our little piece of paradise. If you want to share it with us, just type in Peach & Quiet Hotel: Tropical Tranquility in Barbados on YouTube.
