The Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI), under its Loyal Visitors’ programme, has honoured four couples whose combined visits to the island tally 231.
During the first Loyal Visitors’ reception for 2026, held last Friday evening at the Byde Mill Great House, Byde Mill, St. George, Minister of Tourism and International Transport, Ian Gooding-Edghill, welcomed guests and expressed gratitude for their repeat visitations.
Mr. Gooding-Edghill noted that the country values all visitors, especially those who are repeat tourists and thanked them for their “unwavering affinity” to the island, as he encouraged them to spread the word about Destination Barbados and its offerings.
“I express deepest gratitude to your commitment to making Barbados your destination of choice from time to time, and also your second home…. Through your continued patronage, you have tangibly contributed to Barbados’ economy and to the longevity of our tourism product. We are most grateful for the deep connections you have built with our most outstanding brand asset, our people….
“Continue to enjoy your visits to Barbados, continue to enjoy your holiday and continue to encourage as many of your friends and family members to come to Barbados,” the Minister stated.
The four couples honoured were Graham and Lisa Pannett, with 61 and 57 recorded visits, respectively, and Elizabeth and Keith Thompson as well as James and Jennifer Henderson, with 40 visits. Edward and Patricia Traver visited 33 times. They received paintings of local scenery created by artist Neville Legall.
Graham Pannett from London said that since 1985, he’s been coming to Barbados with his then girlfriend, now wife, Lisa. He said he fell in love with the island from that first visit and kept coming back because of the people.
“[I] just fell in love…. It’s a bit cliché to say the people, but I’ve got so many friends out here now that it’s about coming back to see friends. But I love the vibe, I love the food, I love the music, and it’s just our life now.”
Meanwhile, Keith and Elizabeth Thompson recalled that Keith had promised upon retirement from the Royal Navy that he would take his family on a “big family holiday” and they chose Barbados for that vacation in 1998. They both commented that it is “without any doubt” the people who keep them coming back to the island, where their favourite thing to do is dive and snorkel, especially with the turtles.
The BTMI’s Loyal Visitors Club, which started in the early 1990s, is an initiative aimed at recognising tourists who have visited the island 25 times or more. Persons who have visited the island 25 times and over and are interested in joining the Loyal Visitors Club should contact the BTMI at 535-3700, or email loyalvisitorsclub@visitbarbados.org.
Also honoured during the night was Gaird Charles, owner of G Fish Water Sports, who assists disabled visitors in experiencing the underwater beauty and beach activities at Carlisle Bay.
Minister Gooding-Edghill noted: “Mr. G definitely shines as a spotlight on this stellar level of hospitality that defines us as a people and gives the reason why so many of you keep coming and returning to our lovely island. G’s commitment to ensuring that persons with mobility challenges can enjoy scuba diving in Barbados’ waters is a testament to the value we place on making sure each and every visitor has the holiday of their lifetime and enjoys an exemplary quality of life.”
On receiving his token of appreciation, Mr. Charles said: “This year, I celebrate 10 years of running G Fish Water Sports…and the recognition is heartfelt. So, thank you, Barbados, thank you, Minister.”
Guests at the reception were treated to a warm welcome upon entry by students from the St. Luke’s Primary School. Entertainment included saxophonist Zukeli Inniss, steel pianist David “Ziggy” Walcott, dance and drumming by Haynesville Youth Club, fire breathing by Ignite Entertainment and aerial performances by Powerhouse Academy of Arts.
Author: Sheena Forde-Craigg