From hosting world-class events to culinary heritage, Barbados has its all to offer to tourists

**Exclusive Interview with Cheryl Carter, Chief Operations Officer of Barbados Tourism** **Introduction** In an exclusive interview, we had the privilege of speaking with Cheryl Carter, the Chief Operations Officer of Barbados Tourism, at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2024. With a deep passion for promoting Barbados as a premier tourist destination, Cheryl shared insights into the strategies and initiatives that the Barbados Tourism Board is implementing to attract more visitors and enhance the island’s appeal on the global stage. **First Impressions at ATM 2024** Cheryl began by expressing her enthusiasm for being at ATM 2024. She mentioned that this was their second day at the event and their second time participating. Cheryl highlighted the importance of the Arabian Travel Market as a platform to explore opportunities and establish connections with travel operators, agents, and other industry providers. She noted that the interest in Barbados from this region was significant, with travelers seeking new experiences and destinations where visa requirements are minimal or non-existent. The intense schedule of meetings had been productive, revealing a strong potential for increased tourism from the Middle East. **Marketing Strategies for 2024 and Beyond** When asked about the marketing strategies that Barbados is adopting to drive more travelers this year and next, Cheryl elaborated on several key initiatives. Despite being a small island, Barbados prides itself on hosting world-class events. Currently, the island is hosting a legendary cricket tournament, and in the coming weeks, it will host the Super Eight finals of the ICC T20 World Cup. These high-profile events draw international attention and bring in visitors from all over the world. In addition to sports, Barbados leverages its culinary scene to attract tourists. Cheryl emphasized the significance of food in the island's culture and how they organize events that cater to food enthusiasts globally. Weddings and destination weddings are another focal point, with Barbados promoting itself as an ideal location for weddings, vow renewals, and honeymoons. Wellness tourism is also a growing sector, with many visitors seeking relaxation and rejuvenation on the island. **Key Source Markets** Cheryl provided insight into the top source markets for Barbados. The United Kingdom remains the largest market, closely followed by the United States. Other important markets include the Caribbean, Canada, and Latin America. Notably, there has been a significant increase in business from these regions, indicating a growing interest in Barbados as a travel destination. **Promotional Efforts and International Offices** The Barbados Tourism Board has a robust promotional strategy supported by offices in key locations around the world. They have offices in the United States, the United Kingdom, and South America, with dedicated teams working tirelessly to promote Barbados. These offices play a crucial role in fostering partnerships and executing targeted marketing campaigns. **MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) Tourism** Cheryl highlighted the importance of the MICE segment for Barbados. Recently, the island welcomed the opening of the Wyndham Sam Lord's Castle, which features state-of-the-art facilities. Other hotels like the Hilton Barbados also cater to group events, showcasing the island's capacity to host large-scale meetings and conferences. Barbados prides itself on converting unique spaces into exceptional event venues, supported by a creative team on the ground. Cheryl emphasized that meetings and incentives are a significant part of their strategy, with plans to place even more emphasis on this segment in the future. Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ttwemagazine Connect with us at LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/travel-and-tour-world Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travelandtourworld https://www.youtube.com/user/TravelAndTourWorld