Barbados and Dominica tourism authorities agree ‘landmark partnership’

Tourist boards from Barbados and Dominica have agreed a partnership to “strengthen the appeal of both countries” and develop new twin-centre experiences for travellers.

The chief executives of Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc (BTMI) and Discover Dominica Authority (DDA), Andrea Franklin and Marva Williams, signed a Memorandum of Understanding at the State of the Tourism Industry Conference at the Hilton Barbados Resort on October 1.

The Caribbean islands’ tourism authorities will collaborate to curate and promote multi-destination tourism packages, support the development of air and cruise connections and coordinate media exchanges, fam trips, joint training and public relations events to raise the profile of both destinations globally.

Other aims include sharing expertise about sustainable tourism and enhancing products to “ensure lasting benefits for local communities and the environment”.

Franklin said: “Dominica may see Barbados as a tourism ‘grandparent,’ but there’s so much we can learn from each other.

“Barbados is proud to be the premier home port cruising destination in the region, and we see this as an opportunity to attract more business to neighbouring islands as well."

She added: “When it comes to attracting airlift to the region, it’s vital that we stop viewing ourselves as individual countries competing for flights.

“Instead, we must work together to bring more airlift into the Caribbean. If Barbados serves as the hub, we should channel that connectivity to our sister islands, like Dominica, ensuring all destinations benefit.”

Franklin highlighted sports, eco-tourism and sustainable tourism as areas Barbados and Dominica would collaborate on in future.

Williams added: “This collaboration is part of a larger conversation, and we look forward to learning from Barbados, which will help build greater awareness and create a ripple effect on the GDP and economic opportunities for both our countries.

“We all have unique attributes to offer, and this partnership isn’t just about tourism; it’s about exploring opportunities in other industries, such as manufacturing, that can benefit both nations.

“Improving air access is essential so that our people can move around the Caribbean efficiently and effectively.”