Wide range of accommodations await visitors

The new Canadian director of Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. says his island is offering would-be visitors clear-cut lodging options during their planned stays.

Eusi Skeete says an island that once had limited choices for those who prefer all-inclusive vacations now can easily accommodate them, citing the likes of the arrival of two Sandals properties and the reappearance of Sam Lord’s, with a property that was long associated with the island reopening last year after a lengthy closure and now operating as a 432-room upscale all-inclusive that has the largest conference center in Barbados.

But Skeete adds that those who prefer EP hotels and like to explore their vacation surroundings will easily be able to do so as well.

“There’s a strong mix of all-inclusive and EP properties,” he says, adding that Barbados is a “very safe destination, a very immersive destination” that will appeal to those who like to explore during their holidays.

Skeete, who arrived in Toronto last fall after having served as the tourist board’s director for the United States, says tourists can feel totally safe walking at night throughout the island, a selling plus for agents.

Barbados has a comparatively high standard of living, prompting Skeete to declare, “Life was not created in Barbados but it was perfected there.”

He adds that Barbados should also be seen as a distinctive part of the world, something he wants travel agents to realize.

“It’s not your typical Caribbean destination,” he says. “It’s not just going to the beach. There’s so much more to do than that.”

“It’s really about telling our story in a unique and compelling way and highlighting the unique selling propositions,” he adds of his office’s mission.

Barbados is home to four rum distilleries tourists can visit, among them Mount Gay, billed as the world’s oldest continuously operating distillery. Oct. 24-27 will see the annual Food & Rum Festival.

The ocean-ringed destination also has numerous beaches, some facing calm water, while Bathsheba — found on the east coast — is known for its waves, making it popular with the likes of surfers.

Other available watersports for those vacationing in Barbados include diving.

Energetic tourists will also appreciate December’s annual Run Barbados festival, which offers races of different distances.

Skeete labels his destination the “culinary capital of the Caribbean,” noting that it has over 500 restaurants.

He also says visitors will easily be able to experience Barbados culture, including the annual Crop Over festival, which runs through July and continues until the first Monday in August, and sees the likes of parades and music.

Skeete says Barbados has what he calls “ultra-luxury” hotels, such as Sandy Lane, and the newish Apes Hill Barbados.

Another newish accommodation option is The Rockley, a boutique property found on the south coast. The south coast is now also home to the upscale  O2 Beach Club & Spa.

Quebec and Ontario have traditionally sent the lion’s share of Canadian tourists to Barbados but Skeete says his destination has built a following in Vancouver, catering to people in that city who are seeking a different type of Caribbean experience. The Toronto office is eager to work with travel agents throughout this country, he continues.

Skeete notes that this year marks the 75th anniversary of Air Canada linking Toronto with Bridgetown. Ties between this country and Barbados mean that many Canadians have second homes there.

He adds that the six-member team in his office is “passionate about the travel advisor community.

“You have a friend in Barbados and a home in Barbados,” he says of the relationship with the agent community.

Meanwhile, Skeete says ongoing tourism developments mean that travel agents who have visited Barbados in the past but not recently should return to familiarize themselves with the destination.