Barbados Going after Canada’s Golf Enthusiasts

Two Barbadian entrepreneurs are charting the way in promoting the Barbados golf product within the Canadian market.

Gavin Parravicino and Damon Straker, through their company Bajan Sun Vacations, have confirmed that between this year and 2011, they will be sending three major golfing groups from the Toronto market, totaling a number of 40 golfers.

The company, which specializes in Barbados luxury vacations and luxury villa rentals, has received the endorsement of the Barbados Tourism Authority (BTA), which has been actively collaborating with the company since its inception in late 2009.

These collaborative efforts were in full motion as representatives of both the BTA and Bajan Sun Vacations sought to increase sports travel to the island at the first Canadian Golf Expo 2010, held at the Progress Centre in downtown London, Ontario, attracting 7800 avid golfers and enthusiasts.

BTA sports tourism manager, Gregory Armstrong, sees this as a great way to push the Barbados’ world class golfing product.

“Golfing, as one of the leading sports tourism activities in Barbados, is playing a major role in the island’s development. In 2006 Barbados hosted the World Golf Championships – Barbados World Cup and it was a winner for the nation, which has four premier championship courses, including the new outstanding one at Apes Hill.”