Stakeholders in the tourism sector were briefed on the island’s readiness for the upcoming 2025/2026 winter season, as well as what can be expected.
During a panel discussion on the State of the Tourism Industry at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre, last Friday, several stakeholders provided information on the operational readiness at the air and sea ports.
They included the Grantley Adams International Airport Inc.’s (GAIA) CEO, Hadley Bourne; Barbados Port Inc.’s CEO, David Jean-Marie; Goddards Catering Group Inc., Country Manager for Barbados, Frederic Deetjen; Caribbean Aircraft Handlers (CAH), CEO, Lemuel Padmore; and BTMI’s Senior Business Development Manager, Tia Broome.
They shared that the necessary equipment, infrastructure and human resources will be in place for the start of the season, which will aid in effective and efficient operations, as flight schedules increase due to higher passenger demand.
At the airport, this includes facility improvements (Wi‑Fi tweaks, additional charging stations, seating/layout adjustments, and more changing rooms), traffic management, and the addition of nine operational buses to transport visitors from the aircraft; as well as the expansion of its terminal by 60,000 sq. ft. to accommodate increased flights and passengers.
It was revealed that CAH will be increasing staff capacity, and contingency plans are in place for belt breakdowns and ramp congestion, along with the expanded use of the Concorde hangar through Thursday to Saturday for air-to-sea passengers. There will also be an increase in police support at the GAIA.
At the Bridgetown Port, where 852,987 arrivals are projected for this winter, some projects have been completed that will aid in operational readiness and efficiency, including a $12 million pipeline replacement. Along with the installation of four moorings for smaller cruise ships, restoration of bunkering at berths, paving of berths and walkways to facilitate safe vehicle and pedestrian transit, and wayfinding signage, a new luxury lounge, and a modern incinerator have been put in place to enhance passenger experience and environmental standards.
BTMI’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Andrea Franklin, provided an outlook for the industry. She noted that research has shown that today’s tourists want deeper connections, meaningful experiences and destinations that reflect their values. In light of this data, the BTMI will seek to diversify markets, enhance visitor experiences and expand community-based tourism, such as the recently relaunched ‘Dine with a Bajan’ initiative.
“Barbados stands uniquely poised to meet these expectations. Our authenticity, our culture, and our people … are our competitive advantages. As we look at 2026, … we will intensify our presence in our key source markets – the USA, UK, Canada, the Caribbean and key European markets through the use of our data analytics, deepening our airline and trade partnerships and strong demand generation campaigns. Our goal is to maintain momentum, defend our airlift, maximise seasonal opportunities and drive consistent year-round occupancy. Diversification is no longer optional; it is essential,” Ms. Franklin stated.
She noted that “the visitor experience is built by all of us”, and while Barbados is still seen as a friendly, welcoming destination, there is room for improvement. She appealed to stakeholders to forge partnerships with the BTMI and each other, to ensure the industry’s success.
“We must build the same networks, the same depths of relationships, and the same presence across all of our markets. And this cannot be done by us alone…. We will continue to create opportunities, but we must fill these global stages together. This is how we ensure growth across all of our markets consistently….
“So today, I invite each of you to step boldly into this new chapter with us…, let us collaborate more deeply. Let us innovate together and let us tell Barbados’ story with confidence and pride…. The global environment may be uncertain, but Barbados is not standing still. We are moving forward with intention, ambition and unity. Together, we will build a tourism industry that’s stronger, more resilient and more globally admired than ever before,” Ms. Franklin emphasised.