BTMI Honours Repeat Visitors & Tourism Stalwarts

Returning visitors to Barbados recently enjoyed an evening of festivities hosted by the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI).

Held on Friday, May 30, the Loyal Visitors’ Reception honoured repeat visitors to the island. In keeping with the ongoing, year-long We Gatherin’ initiative, the function was held at the historic Guinea Plantation in St. John – the featured parish for the month of May.

The event also marked an important occasion for acknowledgement and celebration of the notable contributions of tourism stalwarts from the parishes of St. John, St. Joseph and St. Andrew.

During his remarks, Minister of Tourism and International Transport, Ian Gooding-Edghill, recognised the considerable effect which repeat visitors have had on Barbados.

“The economic impact of your loyalty continues to shape the very development of our tourism sector. The perennial support and love from all of our repeat visitors motivates our key partners to continue collaborative efforts – ensuring that investments are made towards enriching the island’s tourism product to make it sustainable for continual enjoyment by yourselves and future generations of visitors.”

Based on the call for Barbadians across the Diaspora to return home for We Gatherin’ 2025, as part of the evening’s celebrations, BTMI paid special homage to Eleanor Small. Mrs. Small, who was born in Barbados but migrated to the United Kingdom, has been visiting the island three times a year since 1971, and expressed her delight in returning. “I love Barbados because the people are friendly. I was born here; I taught here in St. John and I’m really happy to be here!”

Minister Gooding-Edghill also took the opportunity to extol the steadfast service of the tourism stalwarts honoured during the event, stating: “You embody Barbados’ motto, “Pride and Industry”, with your service, and you inspire the next generation of tourism trailblazers. Your dedicated efforts certainly helped to shape brand Barbados beyond being just another destination.”

St. John resident Arley Doughty, one of the recipients of a tourism stalwart award, has given three decades of service across various spheres of the tourism sector – having been a cook, storeroom keeper, taxi operator and tour guide throughout his career.

Speaking after receipt of his award, Mr. Doughty remarked, “I think that it is a real honour, a blessing and a privilege to be regarded and honoured as a stalwart by the industry. I appreciate it with all my heart.”

Attendees of the BTMI’s Loyal Visitors’ Reception received a warm and lively greeting from students and teachers of the Mount Tabor and St. Joseph primary schools. Guests were also treated to a cultural presentation from DL Smith Productions Inc. and musical entertainment from the Betty B Duo.

Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc.

Author: Public Relations