CANADIANS TRAVEL TO BARBADOS IN RECORD NUMBERS
Recession shows no sign of diminishing Canada’s relationship with Barbados (Toronto, ON), February 17, 2010 – Canadians have made it clear that Barbados is one of their top choices when it comes to vacation destinations. A total of 63,826 Canadians visited Barbados in 2009, boasting an 11.2 per cent increase from the previous year. These record numbers are impressive considering how the economic recession caused so many people to cancel or postpone their travel plans last year. The combination of discounted flights, new hotel and restaurant openings, and a host of new museums and attractions will help this growth continue through 2010. “Canadians have been one of Barbados’ leading visitor markets for decades,” said Cheryl Carter, Senior Business Development Manager for the Barbados Tourism Authority. “Several on-island properties cater specifically to Canadians and this has allowed the relationship between Barbados and Canada to flourish. Our strategic partnerships with Air Canada and WestJet have made travel to the island easier and more affordable than ever.” This year, Air Canada is celebrating 60 years of flying to Barbados. The airline currently provides daily direct service from Toronto (9 flights weekly) and twice-weekly direct flights from Montreal. WestJet also offers non-stop flights from Toronto, five times a week. Barbados boasts over 70 miles of white sandy beaches, a night life that is as diverse as it is exciting, unique activities and attractions, and a temperature that rarely drops below 26 degrees Celsius. Whether it’s hiking the historical cane fields and tropical forests, learning to surf or play polo, taking in the culture of the coastal communities, relaxing at a spa or on the beach, or even getting married under water, Barbados has something for every Canadian. What’s new for the 2010 Season? Ø The 2010 Best of Barbados Guide is a great pocket resource for the newest restaurants, nightlife and island activities. Barbados is the first and only island in the Caribbean with a Zagat guide – further proof of the island’s culinary excellence. To receive a copy, call 1-888-BARBADOS.Ø For $2,585 USD (including service tax per room), guests can enjoy three nights at the legendary Atlantis Hotel Barbados and four nights at Little Good Harbour. The deal includes welcome drinks, continental breakfast, and a one-night dinner for two at the famous Fish Pot restaurant. This offer runs until December 2010. www.atlantishotelbarbados.comØ The owner of Lancaster House has two exciting new galleries in the works. The Old Pharmacy Gallery and the Art Barn will be home to four arts graduates, as working studios open to the public. Ø Chef LaurelAnn Morely of The Cove was recently named “one of the best chefs in the world.” Reopened in December, The Cove is a local favourite for Sunday brunch.Ø The newly opened Crickets Legends of Barbados Museum allows visitors to experience the history of the West Indian cricket greats. Ø Atlantis Submarines Barbados is offering wedding parties a 20% discount on regular rates. Couples can create unique memories on their special day inside an Atlantis Submarine. www.atlantissubmarines.com Ø Every Sunday through December 2010, Hike Barbados allows visitors to experience the island in all its glory. www.hikebarbados.comØ Barbados Surf Trips offers accommodations for all budgets, including car rentals, surf tours, surf lesions, board rentals, airport meet and greet, island tours and even cell phone rentals. www.surfbarbados.com To see for yourself why so many Canadians are choosing Barbados, please visit www.visitbarbados.org.
Barbados Tourism Authority
The island of Barbados offers the most authentic Caribbean experience with its exceptionally rich culture and history rooted in remarkable landscapes, including The Crane beach, St. Philips, voted one of the world’s sexiest beaches for 2008 by Concierge.com. Barbados is the first and only Zagat-rated Caribbean island with numerous internationally renowned chefs who masterfully put signature spins on local delicacies and traditions. Barbados is also an ideal stage for world-class events and has hosted numerous athletic championships, including the ICC Cricket World Cup Final 2007 and the 2006 PGA World Golf Championship-The Barbados World Cup. Accommodations range from picturesque plantation houses and villas to quaint bed and breakfasts to award-winning five-star resorts. The newly renovated Grantley Adams International Airport offers even more non-stop and direct service from a growing number of U.S. cities via newly-launched Jet Blue, Air Jamaica, American Airlines, Delta and US Airways, making Barbados the true gateway to the Eastern Caribbean. Barbados was voted #8 in the World by Trip Advisor’s ‘2008 Travelers Choice Destination Awards’ in its Top 100 Destinations category. Follow the Barbados beat and catch up on the latest news via the Barbados Facebook page at www.tinyurl.com/barbadosbeat and Twitter at www.twitter.com/barbadostourism. For more information on travel to Barbados, visit www.visitbarbados.org, or contact the Barbados Tourism Authority at 1.800.221.9831.