BARBADOS CONTINUES TO GAIN POPULARITY AMONG U.S. TRAVELERS
The Barbados Tourism Authority has reported U.S. arrivals to the island increased 15.8 percent between January and December 2002, compared with the same period in 2001. The good news can be directly attributed to a very strong performance in the second half of 2002 following the July 2002 introduction of the "Best of Barbados" island promotion. Visitor numbers from the U.S. for the July through December period showed a 33.5 percent increase for the six months compared to the same period in 2001.
The U.S. represented the second best market for Barbados in 2002, accounting for 123,524 of 498,088 worldwide arrivals. Last year's results of a Harris Poll(R) endorse the growing popularity of Barbados. In fact, the island ranked ninth* in its first appearance on the list's top 15 countries Americans would visit if money were no object.
"We are extremely delighted with our success, despite the continued negative global economic news and the downturn in tourism arrivals to many destinations, including those in the Caribbean region," says Mr. Bill Silvermintz, Vice President of Marketing for the Americas at the Barbados Tourism Authority. "We are extremely confident that Barbados will continue strong tourism growth during 2003, thanks to the combined marketing effort in the U.S. between the destination and our various travel partners."
Mr. Silvermintz attributes much of last year's success to the aforementioned Best of Barbados promotion, which offered $200 credit per person towards airfare plus discounts on lodging, meals and activities when booking a week's stay at more than 40 participating properties.
Based on the promotion's success, the Best of Barbados has been reintroduced for 2003, offering extra values on air, lodging and on-island activities. The booking window for the "Best of Barbados Early Bird" package runs through March 31st, offering a $300 air credit for stays between March 1 and April 11. The "Summer Best of Barbados 2003" booking opportunity is now through July 31, 2003, offering a $200 air credit for stays from April 26 through December 14, 2003 (blackout periods of July 13 through August 15 apply).
For further information on Barbados, travelers may call the Barbados Tourism Authority at 1 (800) 221-9831, or visit Barbados on-line at http://www.barbados.org for a list of participating hotels and airlines. To reserve the Best of Barbados, travelers can call their local travel agent.
Barbados is the most easterly of the Caribbean islands and boasts tropical weather year-round. Visitors to Barbados come for its natural and historic attractions, beaches, water sports, golf courses, fine dining and nightlife. The island is known for its friendly people and wide range of accommodations
