BARBADOS AND AIR France have signed a memorandum of understanding that is set to increase the island’s share of the French travel market.
This makes Air France the first ever French airline to serve Barbados. Under the agreement, Barbados will receive year-round service with one to two flights per week, with the inaugural flight scheduled for February 2, 2017.
Departing from Orly and alternately travelling through Fort-de-France or Pointe-à-Pitre, the airline will then change aircraft with interline partner, Air Antilles, before arriving in Bridgetown.
Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. chief executive officer William Griffith applauded his team’s continued efforts in working toward diversifying the potential visitor base.
“This is the first time that Barbados has had a French airline as a partner. We are excited that it is major network carrier Air France,” he said.
This service will increase Barbados’ accessibility to the European market, a region that holds significant growth potential for the destination. Arrivals from Europe for the first eight months of 2016 currently stand at 16 014, a decrease of -0.6 per cent when compared to 2015.
The introduction of this additional airlift is predicted to positively impact those numbers and translate into opportunities for local hoteliers, restauranteurs, craftsmen and other industry partners. (PR)
