The Grantley Adams International Airport (GAIA Inc.) has welcomed the 2025 Budget’s strategic focus on strengthening Barbados’ aviation and tourism sectors.
Presented on Monday by Minister in the Ministry of Finance, Ryan Straughn, the budget prioritizes investment in aviation infrastructure and aims to make regional travel more affordable for passengers.
GAIA Inc. Chief Executive Officer, Hadley Bourne, praised the government’s aviation-focused initiatives, emphasizing their vital role in Barbados’ economic progress.
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“This commitment to the industry highlights aviation’s critical contribution to the island’s economic growth,” Bourne stated. “As we embark on the airport’s expansion project, our goal is to enhance efficiency, connectivity, and the overall traveler experience.”
A major highlight of the budget is the planned reduction of the Air Travel and Tourism Development Fee for regional travelers. Starting July 1, 2025, the fee will decrease from US$35 to US$20. Bourne acknowledged this as a meaningful step toward making regional travel more accessible.
“While this reduction may seem small, it marks the beginning of a broader effort to lower airfare costs and stimulate increased travel within the region,” he noted.
Bourne also underscored the significance of intra-Caribbean travel, calling it the “backbone of connectivity in the Caribbean.” He stressed that alongside fee reductions, continued discussions on tax harmonization across CARICOM nations are necessary to lower ticket prices further and encourage more frequent travel.
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“It is now crucial for airlines and tourism stakeholders to seize this opportunity by introducing more competitive regional fares and travel packages,” he added.
As the only English-speaking Caribbean airport represented on the ACI World Facilitation and Service Standing Committee, GAIA Inc. reaffirmed its dedication to advocating for improved aviation standards, accessibility, and affordability.
The organization expressed eagerness to collaborate with the government, airlines, and tourism partners to ensure these policy changes translate into tangible benefits for travelers and contribute to the wider Barbadian economy.
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