The Special Advisory Services Division of the Commonwealth Secretariat is providing technical assistance to the Ministry of Tourism to conduct a study on Tourism Services in Barbados.  The need for a study on tourism services has resulted from the amendment of the Travel Services Act and the subsequent exclusion of ground tour operators and similar businesses from regulation under that legislation. 

The Ministry’s interest in tourism services is one of regulation as well as ensuring that the quality of our product is maintained, whilst encouraging participation by Barbadians.

The Ministry has recognized that tourism consumer markets throughout the world have become increasingly demanding in terms of their expectations of the quality of product and service on offer.  As a result, the long-term sustainability of the tourism industry of a destination is largely dependent upon its ability to provide high quality products and services.

Mr. John J. Downes, an International Travel Law Consultant, has been contracted by the Commonwealth Secretariat to conduct the study. Mr. Downes has prepared a Background Paper which places the study in context.

A Consultative workshop was held on 18 November, 2010 at which stakeholders were given the opportunity to give their views on how tourism services should be regulated. The following presentations were made at the Consultative Workshop:

Second Consultative Workshop

Following the country visit, Mr. Downes has prepared a Draft Final Report of the Study, which will be presented and reviewed at a Second Consultative Workshop to be held on 21 February, 2011. For further information you may contact Mrs. Betty Wright at 430-7500/25 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .