Warmth Of Barbadians & Crop Over’s Cultural Richness Highlighted
The warmth of Barbadians and Crop Over’s cultural richness was highlighted last evening during the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc.’s (BTMI) Crop Over welcome reception under the theme: “I Love Crop Over”.
Welcoming visiting media and influencers to the “sweetest summer festival” were Minister of Tourism and International Transport, Ian Gooding-Edghill, and the BTMI’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Andrea Franklin.
Mr. Gooding-Edghill told attendees that Destination Barbados is the “brand” that it is, not because it offers “pristine” sea, sand and sun, or an array of culinary delights, or because of its rich heritage and culture, but because of the warmth and hospitality of its people.
“Barbados, as you may or may not know, has a very strong brand in the marketplace. The brand has key and core elements, and among those elements, if there’s one element, and you will get to experience this during your stay with us in Barbados, is the warmth and the friendliness of our people,” he stated.
The Tourism Minister thanked both the media and influencers for the role they play in promoting Destination Barbados and encouraged them to share and post as much as possible about the island and what they will experience over the coming days.
These activities, he mentioned, will include touring the island; visiting some of its attractions; learning the art of stilt walking and how to roast breadfruit, and participating in Grand Kadooment.
“I encourage you, over the coming days, to explore and to experience all that we have to offer. But I also implore you to write that story about Barbados. You are the owners and shapers of the print and other media. You know what it’s like to on social media, tell a story, and it’s because of you that we are able to sell the Barbados brand. It is because of your professionalism and your dedication to the media that we’re able to have increased visitor arrivals to Barbados.
“You play a significant role in what we offer here in Barbados. Because, by telling the Barbados story, be it in Venezuela, the UK, Canada, Europe, or other parts of the Caribbean, it is you that help us, and no amount of money can buy what you help us to do. If we were to spend and to quantify the spend, it will roll in, I’m sure, to multi-millions… Because of you, you make our marketing efforts even easier,” Mr. Gooding-Edghill stressed.
CEO Franklin highlighted that this is the perfect time to be in Barbados, as persons who visit at this time of the year get to experience the cultural richness that is the Crop Over Festival.
“You are here at a time when our culture comes alive in its most expressive form, a time when performance arts and the island’s creatives across multiple genres produce an atmosphere that is as spirited as it is unforgettable as a destination….
“And we are truly honoured to host you, our distinguished media partners and influential voices during what is arguably the most exhilarating period on our national calendar, the celebration of Crop Over Barbados’ sweetest summer festival….I extend a heartfelt invitation to you to join us and immerse yourselves fully in the rhythm, soul and spirit of this cultural phenomenon,” Ms. Franklin said.
The visiting media and influencers were also encouraged to explore Barbados beyond the Crop Over festival and to return in late August to experience CARIFESTA XV and the remaining events on the 2025 calendar that the BTMI and the National Cultural Foundation have planned.
The event, which was held at the Stade’s Visitor Centre, Brighton, St. Michael, briefly introduced visiting media and influencers to all things Crop Over, including sampling beverages prepared by mixologist Dameain Williams and food bites prepared by Chef Trevon Stoute.
Author: Sheena Forde-Craigg