IF TOURISM is our major business, we should treat it accordingly. Visitors’ interests change, and many may not only be interested in our sun, sand and sea. We must cater to diverse ages and tastes and use every resource available to us to do so.
There are lessons to be learned from Ireland. The Vagabond Tour Company (http://vagabondtoursofireland.ie) with which I travelled when I visited Ireland recently, realised that it was time to expand its touring options for customers. Feedback indicated some visitors preferred scenery, culture and history to more physical pursuits like kayaking, horse riding and hiking which the Vagabond Tour offered, so it added the Driftwood tour which, as a more mature traveller, suited me perfectly.
The Irish, who host about seven million visitors annually, use every aspect of their country to benefit tourism. Few countries have had a more violent history, but they realise that history, good or bad, is history, and use it to their best advantage.
For instance, among the 130 000 historical sites showcased are: the monument commemorating the 1847 famine where a quarter of the population was lost; numerous castles (some partially ruined) fitted with intricate methods of defence used during various struggles; and the barren area of Connaught where persons were banished during the Cromwell era. Many were given the choice of death, Connaught or Barbados.
Even the conflict, which although reduced but still exists in Northern Ireland, is used in tourism. We took a Black Cab tour of Belfast, with both Protestant and Catholic guides to ensure a balanced perspective, then visited the spectacular Titanic Centre commemorating the tragic 1912 sinking of that ship.
It seems Barbados is finally placing emphasis on heritage tourism, but we must conserve our antiquities, rather than allowing them to deteriorate or even demolishing them. They can’t be replaced. Some feel Farley Hill House, with its rich history, should be demolished. Instead, it should be made safe and used in tours. Of course what was allowed to happen with Sam Lord’s Castle, the lighthouses and many other sites, is deplorable.
While the Barbados National Trust, despite challenges, has done a good job, more interest is needed by governments and the general public.
We should be proud of our UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bridgetown and its Garrison, but it must be maintained in pristine condition and used to the fullest. Tours have been initiated and the historic Screw Dock restored, but much more can be done, including addition of attractive signage.
In Ireland, the Office of Public Works is responsible for caring, maintaining and operating the country’s most important heritage sites. In contrast, in Barbados the record for maintenance of even current public buildings is dismal.
Ireland uses its geology as an attraction. We visited spectacular rock formations like the Cliffs of Moher, and the Giant’s Causeway, an area of about 40 000 interlocking basalt columns, the result of an ancient volcanic eruption. The views were breathtaking. Then there was the unique Connemara marble, over 900 million years old.
The geological formations in our Scotland District are outstanding too, but we just glance at them as we pass by. The nearby potteries and sand dunes could also be included in a geology tour. We shouldn’t be destroying the sand dunes to produce building material, since these not only protect the coastline but are an interesting attraction.
Churchyards, the old prison and cemeteries could be used as attractions as they are in Ireland. Apart from St John’s Church and the Chase Vault, there’s the very old Westbury Cemetery with some interesting tombstones of persons from around the world.
The now abandoned Greenland Landfill could be a camp/picnic/hiking/biking/fishing site within the much talked about national park. Ireland is replete with well-kept national parks and beautiful gardens.
Then there’s culture. Our guide Mark entertained us with Irish folklore, sang songs and recited the works of Irish authors. It’s obvious from his knowledge and delivery that he’s been well trained. I read recently of some training being offered to our tour guides. This should be ongoing.
We may not be able to trace back to BC but we do have a rich history and culture, and an interesting and beautiful island, so we must promote more than sun, sand and sea. Themed packages, with heritage, sports, culinary and musical experiences interspersed with sun, sea and shopping, should be pursued.
• Dr Frances Chandler is a former Independent Senator. Email [email protected].
