A strong forecast for tourism out of the United Kingdom, with projections for the upcoming summer and winter tourist season being given a shot in the arm with the relaxation of COVID-19 protocols for visitors.
Barbados Tourism Marketing Incorporated (BTMI) Director for the UK, Cheryl Carter, gave an update last night on the CBC TV8’s programme, The People’s Business.
As the programme focused on tourism projections for 2022 and beyond, she revealed that load factors into Barbados are predicted to be anywhere between 76 and 89 per cent for the summer months.
Ms Carter also expects a big return of direct service from major airline partners out of the UK for the winter season, with tourism numbers possibly rivalling those from 2019, which was a banner year for the industry.
Meanwhile, BTMI Director for Canada, Peter Mayers, has described the removal of the COVID-19 testing requirements and the partial lifting of mask mandates as a game-changer for the tourism sector in Barbados.
He reveals there is greater confidence in the Canadian market, as seen by plans announced for the return of the West Jet service slated for early 2023.
Barbados will also welcome the return of Copa Airlines next month.
This as there is expected to be a resurgence in travel from Latin America and the Caribbean, according to BTMI Director for that market, Corey Garrett.
He also revealed some big news for cruise tourism.
