BARBADOS IS TOP CHOICE FOR CRUISERS
Sep 16, 2019
Barbados is in winner’s row once again, this time as ‘Favourite Cruise Destination’, according to the 2019 Cruise International’s British Cruise Awards.
The destination beat out Jamaica, Dubrovnik, Norway and Singapore to win the prestigious accolade in UK cruising; an honour which was determined by public vote.
The glamorous event took place at the House of Lords in London on Monday evening and the industry’s finest were in attendance to see destination Barbados shine. Barbados High Commissioner, H.E. Milton Inniss, as well as Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc.’s (BTMI) UK Director, Cheryl Carter, and Senior Business Development Officer, Marc McCollin, accepted the distinguished prize.
As the popularity of cruising increases each year, Barbados remains a firm favourite on the Caribbean cruising circuit, appearing on itineraries from a mixture of cruise lines such as Norwegian Cruise Lines, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, MSC, P&O, TUI, Marella, Star Clipper, Silversea, Seabourn, and Fred Olsen.
Earlier this year, the destination was also named one of the Top 5 in the category ‘Best Cruise Destination in the Southern Caribbean’ in Cruise Critic’s Annual Cruisers’ Choice Destination Awards.
Cheryl Franklin, Director of Cruise at the BTMI, credited the win to the collaborative efforts of local operators. “I personally want to thank all of the dedicated and persevering provider partners in Barbados. Their support is unwavering and representing them is a tremendous privilege. I also want to thank Cheryl Carter, Director for the UK, and her London-based team for their unwavering in-market support, and for the outstanding developmental work with respect to the building and positioning of the Barbados brand over the years which continues to grow from strength to strength,” she said.
Franklin added that this is “a truly proud moment for Barbados and all of the operators who make up the diverse sector,” and went on to thank the Barbados Port Inc. for their ongoing support.
Barbados is forecasted to welcome 840,000 cruise arrivals this year and the BTMI has embarked on a number of strategic initiatives to ensure this winning streak continues. One such initiative is the weekly Festive Fridays marketplace at the Pelican Craft Centre, just a stone’s throw from the cruise port, which gives cruise passengers the opportunity to purchase local food and craft, and mingle with Bajans late into the night.
About Barbados
The island of Barbados offers the most authentic Caribbean experience with its exceptionally rich culture and history rooted in remarkable landscapes. Rated as one of the world”s sexiest beaches in 2008 by Concierge.com; Barbados” Crane Beach in St. Philip stands as a premier destination for travellers. Barbados is also the first Zagat-rated Caribbean island and is known as the culinary capital of the Caribbean. Barbados has hosted several world class events including: The annual Barbados Food & Rum Festival; the 2006 PGA World Golf Championships-Barbados World Cup, the ICC Cricket World Cup Finals in 2007, the Sentebale Charity Polo match with Prince Harry of Wales in 2010, and the ICC Twenty20 Cricket Finals for 2010, and the Rihanna LOUD concert in 2012. Accommodations range from picturesque plantation houses and villas, to quaint bed and breakfasts and award-winning, five-star resorts. Grantley Adams International Airport offers even more non-stop and direct service from a growing number of U.S. cities, making Barbados the true gateway to the Eastern Caribbean. Barbados was voted eighth in the World by Trip Advisor”s “2008 Travelers” Choice Destination Awards” in its Top 100 Destinations category. For more information on travel to Barbados, visit www.visitbarbados.org, follow on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/VisitBarbados, via Twitter @Barbados.
