BRIDGETOWN, Barbados — Barbados’ tourism sector seems to be already reaping the benefits of the Sandals presence.

“One of the reasons why you see so many visitors all over Barbados is because there has been a 25 per cent increase in our arrivals from Canada,” says Minister of Tourism, Richard Sealy. “The reason why we have that tremendous increase out of Canada is because Air Canada has decided to bring their largest aircraft, the 777, into Barbados on a daily basis, and that aircraft is coming to Barbados for one reason alone, and it is Sandals…The marketing might of Sandals brings people,” he stressed.

The Minister was at the time addressing a joint meeting of the Democratic Labour Party (DLP) St Michael Central and St Michael South Central constituencies held at George Lamming Primary School, on Sunday night.

Sandals Barbados opened its doors to welcome its first guests on January 28 this year, following a US$65-million upgrade at the Dover, Christchurch resort on the island’s South Coast.

Sealy also acknowledged a 15 per cent increase coming out of the United Kingdom, and indicated that the UK market was “recovering nicely (with) more seats from Virgin Atlantic and British Airways and that is to do with a combination of reasons. Yes Sandals to some extent, but also the investment environment that we have tried to get going”.

The tourism minister also revealed that work at the historic Sam Lord’s Castle site will get started in another couple of months. He said the St Philip property will this time hold the name of international hotel and resorts chain, Wyndham.

“That is an exciting project. Wyndham is a strong international brand,” he expressed. (TL)

Reproduced with the kind permission of the Barbados Advocate newspaper