Barbados welcomed top Canadian travel agents this week as part of the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI) Spirit of Barbados Mega Fam, a week-long familiarisation tour designed to showcase the island’s attractions, accommodations, cuisine, and expanding infrastructure ahead of the peak winter season.
The initiative aims to give agents a first-hand look at what makes Barbados a top Caribbean destination while highlighting the growing airlift from Canada, strengthening the island’s connection to one of its most important markets.
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Speaking at the launch at the Hilton Barbados Resort, Minister of Tourism and International Transport Ian Gooding-Edghill said the tour is part of broader efforts to sustain momentum for what is expected to be a record-breaking winter season.
“One of our main accomplishments and a significant marker of confidence in destination Barbados has been our continued strategic partnership with airline carriers. Our collaborative efforts with Air Canada constitute a shining example of this,” Gooding-Edghill said.
The minister also revealed plans to expand connectivity to Canada’s secondary markets. “We have recognised heightened demand from some of these regions,” he noted. “We are dedicated to building on the groundwork already laid, actively pursuing new gateways in Atlantic Canada and Ontario, as well as the reintroduction of service from Western Canada.”
Gooding-Edghill added that major infrastructure improvements are underway to support tourism growth, including the expansion and modernisation of Grantley Adams International Airport with additional aircraft positions, and upgrades at the Bridgetown Port to enhance efficiency and cruise passenger experiences, including a new luxury vessel processing suite and updated security scanning facilities.
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BTMI Director for Canada, Eusi Skeete, emphasized that the Mega Fam allows agents to experience Barbados beyond training sessions and promotional materials.
“We’ve seen increasing interest from Canadian travelers who want to learn more about the destination, and there’s no substitute for seeing it first-hand,” Skeete said.
Participants were selected based on their strong sales performance for Barbados this year. “These agents have already booked a significant number of trips, and the idea is for them to experience the destination now, during a critical booking period, so they can continue to drive winter travel,” he explained.
Skeete added that the familiarisation tour also strengthens relationships with travel partners and creates new opportunities for Barbadian tourism stakeholders.
“It goes beyond booking flights and hotels. Clients now want to know what activities they can do, where to dine, and how to fully experience the destination. Having agents experience this first-hand ensures they can share those insights with travelers,” he said.
The Mega Fam tour reflects Barbados’ continued focus on providing immersive experiences to travel partners, supporting strong winter bookings and fostering long-term growth from the Canadian market.
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