Minister calls for trade unity to help industry’s recovery

Minister calls for trade unity to help industry’s recovery

THE Barbados minister of tourism has called on operators, airlines and hoteliers to share the financial burden of restoring confidence to the industry.

Noel Lynch insisted deals need to be struck to “keep business alive”.

“We need a lot more companies to share the financial risks,” he said. “For example, we have a deal with Condor [Lufthansa’s charter airline] where we meet the cost if it can’t sell seats. It keeps the aircraft coming to Barbados but does not leave Condor with the all the risk.

“Barbados does not have a blank cheque but we need more partnerships like this.”

Lynch, however, was bullish over the country’s performance since September, claiming overall sales had dipped only 6%, against a projected decline of 30%.

“We have a diverse market which has helped but the government also put together a $16 million emergency economic package,” he said. “There was also discounting which, although unsustainable for a long period, was needed.”

He added there was still apprehension with Thomson Holidays showing a 30% fall in winter business.

Lynch also welcomed the return of Concorde, due to resume weekly flights to the Caribbean island on December 1. He said forward bookings were so strong that British Airways is considering adding a second flight for weekends over Christmas and new year.