Barbados Tourism Megafest Expo showcases industry growth and career pathways

Barbados Tourism Week saw the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI) host the Tourism Megafest Expo at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre on September 24,2024. This expo kept Barbadians talking and upbeat.

In fact, it was an event geared towards both the public and stakeholders alike, not only as a way to raise awareness of tourism but to point out the extensive opportunities the industry has to give and its critical role in boosting the national economy.

Live telecast of the Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation’s “Mornin’ Barbados” programme maintained the high level of excitement throughout as the exhibitors seized this opportunity to present their goods during the telecast.

BTMI’s Chief Product Development Officer, Marsha Alleyne, said that the island needs to put on the spotlight every stream of tourism: “Tourism is key to our economy, and we wanted to create a space that highlights every facet of the industry. Whether it’s careers or entrepreneurial ventures, this expo is about showing what’s possible.”

Exhibitors Represent Every Aspect of the Tourism Industry

Among the prominent names on the exhibition list were the University of the West Indies, Marriott International, Executive Air, and Grantley Adams International Airport among many others. The booths reflected the strong interlinkages that exist between tourism and other sectors such as education, aviation, and hospitality.

During the show, visitors were treated to interactive sessions, including recipes transformed into flavorous food, mixed with the art of mocktail creation by very skilled mixologists.

Additionally, cultural entertainment was also brought into the event, where reigning calypso monarch Adrian Clarke and popular artist TC, along with others, also graced the stage with their performances, adding a nice and lively local flavour to the event.

Tourism Week Turns on Community and Sustainability

All activities for this year’s Tourism Week have the theme “Tourism and Peace” attached to them, and all of the remaining events continue to reflect that sense of community involvement.

Among the activities lined up are the community pop-up events with the Barbados Food and Rum Festival, which will take place at Pelican Island on September 27th. After that will come the clean-up event at Drill Hall Beach on September 28th, part of an ongoing series of initiatives to champion environmental sustainability within the tourism sector.

During the week, visitors are invigorated to embrace these activities and enjoy special savings for staycations, restaurants, and attractions only in case of owning Barbadian identification.

Tourism’s role in Barbados

Tourism, as represented by the Tourism Megafest Expo, is not just an industry, career, or business opportunity for Barbadians but this also makes people proud of their culture and enables them to take pride in caring for the environment.

And with such efforts as these, the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. continues to ensure that tourism remains a lifeblood driver of Barbados’ economic and social progress.