Barbados’ Ten-Point Plan to Boost Tourism, Hospitality Sector

Minister of Tourism and International Transport Richard Sealy has outlined a Tourism and Hospitality ten-point plan, which he says will aid in turning things around in the tourism sector as Barbados tries to gain its footing given the global economic crisis.

The ten-point plan to be implemented over the next several weeks was outlined yesterday as Minister Sealy held a joint press conference with Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs Christopher Sinckler at Government Headquarters.

Leading the press conference, Sealy highlighted several initiatives for the tourism and hospitality sector geared towards boosting arrivals, increasing room stock, decreasing energy costs, attracting foreign investment and increasing competitiveness.

“It is no secret that the Caribbean region continues to face declines with respect to arrivals and, for that matter, spend. Conditions in our source markets are not as optimistic as we would like. The reality is that the euro- zone remains in a mess, the UK economy is still sluggish and the USA is making access very slow progress,” the Minister remarked.

“Canada, that has been so well for us over a number of years, has plateaued for all intents and purposes and Brazil, where we have been focusing recently, is also dealing with economic stagnation as well. So the reality is that we are indeed in some challenging times,” Sealy noted.

“Having said that, the Government has come up with a number of initiatives that I think can certainly help to rescue the situation somewhat, and in my view, also will put us on course for improvement as we come out of this period,” Sealy announced.

The ten-point plan contains the following:
1. The provision of a Bds $10 million window for the retrofitting of air conditioning and lighting systems in the tourism and hospitality sector. Sealy noted that this will be the first phase of the $150 million Energy Efficiency and Hotel Refurbishment Fund and further aspects of the find will be rolled out over the coming months.

2. An extension of the existing 50% Land Tax Rebate for investment in Renewable Energy to Tourism and Hospitality entities that implement credible energy efficiency programs, which will be assessed by the Energy Division. This rebate will be provided under the Renewable Energy Bill, which Sealy said should be laid in the House of Assembly before month end.

3. For the next twelve months, tourism and hospitality related entities will be entitled to an electricity rebate of 5% of their electricity costs. Entities that implement a credible energy efficiency plan and/or invest in energy from renewable sources will enjoy the rebate on an on-going basis; while the rebate will end after twelve months for entities that do not make such investments.

4. For the next twelve months, tourism and hospitality related entities will be entitled to a rebate of 5% of their water bills. Entities that have undertaken a credible water management program will enjoy the rebate on an on-going basis; while the rebate will end after twelve months for those entities that do not make such investments.

5. The launching of a program by the Ministry of Tourism to increase the number of Green Globe Certified Hotels and implement an international marketing strategy promoting Barbados as a “sustainable, green and clean energy” destination.

6. The strengthening of events-based tourism through the provision of resources-focus will be placed on the Food, Wine and Rum festival now in its fourth year, the next Rihanna concern to be hosted by Live Nation and the promotion of sports tourism through the first of three Top Gear Festivals for those in the motor sports arena.

7. The Ministry of Tourism will partner with tourism and hospitality related entities to grant a credit voucher up to a specified amount in Barbados equivalent to the APD paid by British tourists who book for at least two weeks with participating hotels.

8. The Ministry of Tourism will partner with a number of private operators to launch a program where villa type accommodation will be available for marketing as part of the room stock available in Barbados.

9. The Ministry of Tourism will partner with the Ministry of Culture, community groups, those in the tourism and hospitality sector and cultural practitioners to rebrand the Hastings to St. Lawrence Gap Strip as a weekend, 24-hour indigenous arts and craft cultural performers’ market.

10. The Government is engaging a variety of multilateral and private partners for the construction of a new hotel plant in Barbados and the rebuilding and re-opening of a number of derelict properties. Sealy noted that Government, with help from the People’s Republic of China and some NIS aid, has bought the prime West Coast Almond Beach Village property for US$50 million, far less than what it is worth and negotiations for other properties are on-going.

Source: The Barbados Advocate