Now that many tourists are eager to take revenge trips after more than two and a half years of pandemic-induced restrictions and are likely already packing their bags in search of the best beach experiences, they should know that a excellent option is the island. of Barbados, internationally known as the pearl of the Caribbean and recently in vogue thanks to Rihanna, the ambassador of the international destination.
Far beyond its world-class beaches, Barbados is a mosaic of endless recreational, cultural and extreme tourism activities, such as diving and mountaineering, as well as less adventurous ones, such as visiting historic sites and museums that house most of 300 of him. years of existence that includes a heritage that every lover of the good life appreciates, its gastronomy and the first production of rum on the planet (1703).
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To tell us more about this destination, no one is better than Corey Garrett, director of Latin America and the Caribbean at Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI). This creative leader with 15 years of experience in launching new products and regional and international tourism brands shares with us the great attractions of this Caribbean paradise.
“Barbados is always active, but what makes it different and special is its people, who are always welcoming and hospitable,” Garrett tells us, adding that the island is a destination that stands out for having the cleanest waters and air cleanest in the world. But beyond that, it is also a privileged place from a historical point of view as its heritage dates back three centuries. “A former British colony, it gained independence in 1966 and has managed to maintain its economic stability thanks to the great economic potential offered by its tourism for 100 years,” says the man responsible for positioning Barbados as a unique destination in the world.
While we know about its wonderful beaches Garrett tells us it is much more; it is a large all-inclusive destination that caters to a wide spectrum of tourism. “What makes us different and special compared to other destinations in the Caribbean is that, in addition to having many international hotel chains, such as Marriot to name one, we also have a large offer of local hotels; we have 14,000 hotel rooms available, in addition to Airbnb and others,” he says.
He says that surveys always show that tourists want to come back because they find what they want, in addition to the warmth of their people, whether they are passionate about sports such as golf, diving, marathons, adventures, or like to travel and share family moments. , enjoy moments such as bachelorette parties or feel comfortable in an LGBTQ+ friendly destination. “We call it Island Inclusive, which means you adapt to Barbados because Barbados adapts to you,” he added.
One of the big attractions for children and adults, he says, are the safari tours that are held to explore the island, “and for those traveling with children, it is highly recommended to board the world’s only commercial submarine that dives to around 180 feet to admire the local fish and reefs,” he said. A very special experience of this destination. For those who love history and culture, Barbados offers an endless range of museums thanks to its 300-year history. “In addition to the museums of great, we have several UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Barbados, apart from rum making.”
There are several beaches in Barbados, including Rockley Beach, Bathsheba Beach, Bath Beach, Pirate’s Cove, Carlisle Bay, Crane Beach and Bottom Bay, to name a few. “Barbados’ beaches are open to the public and there you can find great fresh food shops and restaurants like La Cabane, by the sea where you can enjoy the sunsets,” he points out.
Speaking of food, Garrett notes that Barbados’ delicious dishes have earned it recognition as the culinary capital of the Caribbean, the result of an age-old amalgamation of cultures that make his menu a fusion of indigenous flavors with those of almost the entire world. .
“We have a large collection of restaurants that offer complete experiences, from Italian to Japanese cuisine. In Barbados, you can find all kinds of food styles and of course, there is also local cuisine in restaurants with fresh fish. In addition, you can also have a great meal at the seaside market. Also, the tourist can experience the Foursquare Tour, which is the most awarded distillery in the world rum industry. We are the international champions in the production of rum, so this is an experience that no one can miss”, says the Director of BTMI for Latin America and the Caribbean.
Barbados also has a large collection of major shopping malls, including the Sheraton Mall and the luxury Limegrove Mall, home to the world’s most prestigious brands. Colonnade Dacostas Mall, Cave Shepherd Mall, Coconut Walk Shopping Center and Mall 34, among others, have joined the offer.
There are also places where you can find the best local crafts. “Barbados has a strong African culture and supports local artisans. “Medford Mahogany and Craft World is one of the best places to buy local crafts, such as sculptures and fine pottery,” says Garrett. Places like Barbados Earthworks Pottery, Black Art Studios, Artsplash and the Caribbean Art Gallery should be added to this list.
Upon arrival at the Grantley Adams International Airport of Barbados, the tourist finds the best means of transportation, either on the public network or by taxi. It should be noted that every US dollar is equal to two Barbadian dollars, although the country also accepts euros, Canadian dollars and British pounds.
Another thing that is important to note is that Barbados has incredible technology. It is one of 11 places that has a 100 percent fiber optic infrastructure connecting the island, making it ideal for those looking for remote facilities for their daily activities. “I recommend Barbados to anyone looking for a destination full of diversity,” concludes Garrett.
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