Chairman of the Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA), Javon Griffith, has heralded a proposed regional ferry service as a game-changer for the Caribbean tourism sector.
Speaking at the Connect Caribe stakeholders meeting held this week at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre, Griffith outlined the extensive benefits this initiative could bring, including enhanced visitor arrivals, increased leisure spending, and improved hotel occupancy rates.
“Ferry service has proven itself over the years to be more cost-effective. So, we are looking to see a significant drive towards increased visitor arrivals, leisure arrival spend. We are also looking at seeing increased occupancy for our member properties,” Griffith said.
During the meeting, it was disclosed that all systems are still a go for the service to begin in November. It was also revealed that the ferry service is expected to service regional territories in a four-to-five-day turnaround time.
Griffith emphasised the transformative impact of affordable inter-island travel.
“As a result of having a cheaper format for travel within the islands, we’re looking to see persons who may not necessarily have the means to travel, be able to travel between the islands for the first time. This will provide enhanced benefits for all in the sector,” he explained.
Currently, the United Kingdom remains Barbados’ main source of visitors, with the United States in second place. However, Griffith sees great potential for growth from within the Caribbean itself.
“We do see the ability of this ferry service to get off the ground and potentially increase services, thereby being an engine for enhanced growth. We are looking to see the increased numbers from the Caribbean islands, particularly places like Grenada, St Lucia, St Vincent, Trinidad and Tobago. These are destinations and source markets which we can see major increases in arrivals from in the years to come,” he said, acknowledging that the service would initially start on a modest scale.
“Of course, it will start on a very slow level. But once the service gets going and it’s well promoted throughout the region, and people see the benefits to it, it is something which we hope will be embraced by all,” he said.
Addressing the broader context of regional integration, Griffith noted that there were still some logistical issues to be resolved, particularly concerning the free movement of people.
“We know that free movement of people and regional integration is something which we have talked about for the last 20 years. I think that CARICOM is now much closer to realising this entire concept of free movement,” he said.
