THE ARRIVAL OF Sandals Resorts International in Barbados, welcomed as it has been, has unfortunately been overshadowed by controversy, though not of its own making. But in spite of the fear of lopsided advantages given this regional hotel chain by the Freundel Stuart Administration, the public really desires one outcome.
Therefore, Barbados needs to welcome the most successful indigenous Caribbean hotel chain and seek to exploit all the opportunities it can offer.
There should be better job opportunities, given Sandals’ presence opening up opportunities for talented people with skills that are in demand. This should also cause other businesses in the hospitality sector to up their game, including also demanding better workers and offering them enhanced opportunities. With Sandals operating in Barbados, more Barbadians will also find work at its various locations across the region.
The net benefits from the spin-off from Sandal’s presence will also filter down to various businesses, big and small, which will have to supply goods and services. Sandals will also have to contribute to social security and other statutory payments. And its properties will have to be constantly upgraded to maintain standards.
Barbados’ promotion of a green economy and environmental sustainability should dictate the presence of certain key elements in the relationship. Sandals must be encouraged to be innovative by using solar water and power systems, to effectively manage its water and waste water, and help to protect the reefs and wildlife.
Since the concessions are already in place, the focus must be on benefits. Sandal’s marketing muscle should help move Barbados’ tourism product away from being a seasonal enterprise, with a heavy reliance on the period between December 15 and April 15, to being a year-round high volume attraction. This will result in additional airlift and attention from other major hotel chains.
Sandals can play a pivotal role in helping to revitalise Speightstown, where, in order to spark business and cultural activity in that area, Government will hopefully offer concessions over and above those already available. There must be opportunities for small- and medium-sized enterprises in and around that northern town to make the area bustle with activity once again, with tourism as its apex.
Sandals has an established foundation that gives help to various projects in the communities where it operates. There can be no difference in Barbados. One would hope, too, that the charity efforts of the Sandy Lane Charitable Trust and Hilton Barbados are quickly emulated by other hoteliers, whether in groups or as individuals.
As hoteliers lobby for enhanced benefits in light of the Sandals deal, it must also be recognised that the more Barbados gives, the more it expects in return.
The Sandals hotel venture must work to the mutual advantage of both “Butch” Stewart and this country.