The Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association

21/08/2024

The Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association is committed to enhancing our membership’s capacity in Disaster Preparedness and Response Management. In an effort to achieve this, we held a face-to-face workshop in early July at Hilton Barbados Resort that covered topics including:
🛟 Disaster Awareness
🛟 Operational Resilience
🛟 Business Continuity Planning
🛟 Input on Priorities Areas
🛟 Networking and Relationship Building

The BHTA is grateful to the below partners whose invaluable input and participation in the workshop provided significant contributions in enhancing the climate resilience and disaster awareness of the sector:
National Petroleum Corporation
The Barbados Light & Power Company Limited
Barbados Water Authority
Coastal Zone Management Unit
Department of Emergency Management

20/08/2024

Javon Griffith, Chairman of the Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA), reported on Thursday, August 15th, that tourism numbers had risen significantly compared to the same period in 2023.

“Tourist arrivals are expected to surpass pre-pandemic levels in all markets. This is supported by the ICC World Cup, Crop Over and increased airlift capacity into Barbados this year,” Griffith said at the association’s quarterly media update. “The appetite for Barbados remains very strong, with early forward bookings from major source markets exceeding 2023 by 18 per cent.”

The cruise sector has not been left behind in this tourism resurgence. Griffith revealed that cruise activity is projected to continue recovering from pandemic setbacks, aided by the return of summer cruise activity and an increase in cruise calls in the last quarter. From January to June 2024, Barbados welcomed 475 028 cruise arrivals, compared to 434 565 for the same period in 2023.

Full Article by Sheria Brathwaite at Barbados Today: http://barbadostoday.bb/2024/08/16/tourism-boom

09/08/2024

The Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA) is inviting proposals from qualified vendors for the redesign, restructure, and hosting of our website.

Click to review the RFP: https://bit.ly/bhta-rfp.
For more information, please contact us at (246) 622-5041.

01/08/2024

To all Barbadians, have a fantastic and safe Emancipation Day! May this day be a celebration of freedom and unity

26/07/2024

The Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association is still assessing the damage caused to some businesses in the aftermath of the passing of Category 4 Hurricane Beryl.

BHTA Chief Executive Officer Ryan Forde said they were still unable to calculate a cost following their reports and site visits to the affected businesses. "The team here at the BHTA had done site inspections at some of our member properties that would have told us that they would have had damage. We submitted those reports over to the Government through the Prime Minister's Office as well as Coastal Zone Management Unit and Department of Emergency Management. We've also done a tour alongside the Prime Minister and her team to see the coastal damage that was there from the seaside rather than just the land side. Since then, many of our members have reached our to the Coastal Zone Management Unit and they are working hand in hand to find a remedy, at least a short-term fix as to what they can do."

Eighty per cent of the businesses affected said they would not be closing their operations while ten per cent chose to implement partial closures. Others chose to close fully due to severe damage from the weather system. Forde said further updates on these businesses would be shared at the association's next quarterly media briefing.

He further recognized that long-term solutions would need to be addressed by the BHTA, adding they would consult with the relevant entities. In the meantime, the BHTA chief said they continued to work closely with their members in order to address these concerns.

26/07/2024

After a five-year hiatus, the National Culinary Competition is coming back. The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association's Taste of the Caribbean contest will also be making a return and local culinary artists are being encouraged to participate.

Chair of the Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA), Javon Griffith, and Chief Executive Officer Ryan Forde gave that encouragement during a press conference earlier this week. "BHTA has managed and coordinated the award-winning Barbados culinary team since the early 1990s. This includes hosting the biennial competition and selection process, training for regional competition, preparation for local, regional and international culinary events and the overall development of Barbados' team members."

He explained that the local competition, which is scheduled to be held in August could be a launching pad for culinary artists. "The training that chefs and bartenders receive as part of the Barbados culinary team in invaluable to giving them the ability to do mass catering, as well as outdoor catering for several promotional events. One of the major training and development opportunities for the team is participation at the annual Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association's Taste of the Caribbean event. This is the region's premiere culinary competition, food and beverage, educational exchange and Caribbean cultural showcase. We are happy to say this year this competition will be held in Miami, Florida in November."

Forde recalled that Barbadians had been successful in the regional competition and they were looking to reclaim the Team of The Year title which they won in 2019 for the fourth time. "Another key aspect of the Barbados culinary team is the invaluable opportunities it provides our chefs and bartenders to showcase their skills and gain exposure at events at home and across the globe. Many of the chefs at some of this year's Crop Over events and the upcoming Food & Rum Festival have been members of the BHTA Barbados culinary team, as well as those mixologists who have also participated in the event."

For more information on the competition, contact the BHTA at 622-5041 or email us at [email protected].

25/07/2024

At just sixteen years old, Hailee Harding from Graydon Sealy Secondary School has blazed an impressive trail to become Barbados’ new Junior Minister of Tourism for 2024-2025. Despite the challenges she faced along the way, Hailee’s determination and hard work have paid off, propelling her to this prestigious position.

Yesterday, in a thrilling competition at the Hilton Hotel, Hailee emerged as the winner among six talented contestants at the Barbados Tourism Youth Congress 2024, organized by the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc (BTMI). Her victory was hard-fought, with a narrow one-point lead over Mikkel Roberts of Alexandra School. Malika Straker of The Lester Vaughan School secured third place.

We celebrate Hailee’s remarkable achievement and look forward to her contributions in promoting Barbados’ vibrant tourism industry. Let’s all raise a toast to our new Junior Minister of Tourism!

Sixteen-year-old Hailee Harding of Graydon Sealy Secondary School said it was a “rough” road to becoming Barbados’ new Junior Minister of Tourism 2024-2025, but is elated to have reached her desired destination.

She emerged winner from among a field of six contestants yesterday at the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc’s (BTMI) Barbados Tourism Youth Congress 2024, at the Hilton hotel. She narrowly defeated Mikkel Roberts of Alexandra School by one point, while Malika Straker of The Lester Vaughan School was third.

The other contestants were Dalinda Maynard of Princess Margaret Secondary School, Jaydn Gill of Harrison College and Makayla Lowe of The Ellerslie School.

Harding burst into tears on hearing her name announced and was tightly embraced by mother Kikeisha Rollock and hugged by her teachers Jaime Carrington and Cheryl Williams, who prepared her for the competition.

Read more at www.nationnews.com (link in profile)

23/07/2024

Are you ready to showcase your culinary and mixology skills on both the local and international stage? The Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association invites you to enter the Barbados National Culinary Team Competition in August!

How To Apply:
1. Submit Your Application: Apply now for consideration.
2. Compete Locally: Show off your talents in our local competition.
3. Train with the Best: Secure a spot on the BHTA Barbados National Culinary Team if you succeed locally.
4. Go Global: Represent Barbados at the CHTA Taste of the Caribbean in Miami, November 2024.

Who Can Apply? All Chefs and Mixologists in the Food & Beverage industry who are members of the BHTA. Ask us about becoming a member!

Application Deadline: Wednesday, August 7, 2024
Apply Here: https://forms.gle/ZEtLastdndXLnEji7

For inquiries, contact the BHTA at 622-5041 or email us at [email protected].

Don’t miss this chance to be part of a prestigious team and represent Barbados on the world stage! Terms and conditions apply.

Access Google Forms with a personal Google account or Google Workspace account (for business use).

18/07/2024

Thrilled to see the next generation of hospitality leaders embarking on their journey with the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association Young Leaders Forum! This program fosters innovation and empowers young minds. Wishing you all an enriching experience!

Here's to the Class of 2026 featuring Barbados' very own Matthew Barnett, Tessalee Moore, Lydia Padmore, Chad Rowe, Nikita Warrington, and Shani Watson-Holder.

Welcome Young Leaders Class of 2024-2026!🌟

We are thrilled to welcome our new cohort of dynamic, motivated hospitality and tourism professionals from across the Caribbean! We are confident that they will bring innovative leadership to our amazing industry.

Additionally, we would like to thank the trailblazing class of 2023, who have set a high standard and become role models for the incoming class.

15/07/2024

WE'VE EXTENDED OUR DEADLINE!
The Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association is looking for Team Managers and Coaches to lead the Barbados National Culinary Team at the 2024 Taste of the Caribbean Competition! 🌟

📅 NEW Application Deadline: Thursday, July 18, 2024
👉 Apply Now: https://forms.gle/eRk4CLuVhnDvJUFL8

Join us and play a pivotal role in guiding our team to success on the world stage! 🌎✨

For inquiries, contact the BHTA at 622-5041 or email us at [email protected].

Don't miss this exciting opportunity!

12/07/2024

Attention restaurants! To qualify for your chef or mixologist to apply for the BHTA Barbados National Culinary Team, your establishment needs to be a BHTA member. Join now and give your team the opportunity to shine!

To join the BHTA or for more information, give us a call at 622-5041 or email [email protected].

The official Facebook account of the Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association. Follow us for expert tips and local knowledge for your visit to Barbados.

12/07/2024

Congratulations to Tessalee Moore on her promotion to Special Projects Manager at the BHTA!

Tessalee, who started with the BHTA in 2019 as an intern while pursuing studies in Tourism Management (Special) at the University of the West Indies, Centre for Hotel and Tourism Management (CHTM) in the Bahamas, is now responsible for the effective assessment, development and implementation of special projects created by the BHTA, among other duties.

Excited about her new role she said, "My journey with the BHTA has been a true testament to my passion for tourism. I am privileged to progress to this role. This promotion not only signifies career growth but also validates my dedication to advancing destination Barbados through the Association, a responsibility I hold in the highest regard. As a young leader, I am driven by the belief that success transcends age, focusing instead on resilience, capability and unwavering determination."

Tessalee, who was also recently selected to serve on the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) Young Leaders Forum class 2024-2026, explained that she is committed to fostering valuable partnerships in her new role at the BHTA, while leading innovative projects, and achieving remarkable results with her dedicated team.

CEO of the BHTA, Ryan Forde, congratulated Tessalee on her promotion, saying, “Tessalee has played a pivotal role in the development of the BHTA Secretariat in numerous ways. Many of our members and board have worked with her and have consistently had positive feedback."

12/07/2024

Congratulations to Rhea Walker on her promotion to Member Relations Marketing Officer at the BHTA!

Rhea Walker, who has served as the Association’s Administrative Assistant/Receptionist for the past six years is also honoured by her promotion, "My time with the BHTA has been rewarding and has molded my professional path, while instilling excitement for future endeavours. I appreciate the exposure to the various aspects of the tourism industry provided through working with the Association."

In her new capacity, Rhea will be responsible for overseeing various BHTA initiatives aimed at enhancing the membership experience and fostering organisational growth including crafting strategic membership development programmes and networking opportunities,

CEO of the BHTA Ryan Forde congratulated Rhea on her promotion and shared that she has been instrumental in the development of the BHTA Secretariat in more ways than one and her promotion is well justified.

10/07/2024

Exciting opportunity for Chefs and Mixologists! 🌟 The BHTA Barbados National Culinary Team is accepting applications to showcase your talent and skills on the world stage.

Applications are open to all Chefs and Mixologists.

📅 Application deadline: Friday, July 19, 2024
👉 Apply now: https://forms.gle/ZEtLastdndXLnEji7

Don’t miss this chance to be part of a prestigious team and represent Barbados on the world stage! 🌎✨

For inquiries, contact the BHTA at 622-5041 or email us at [email protected]. Terms and conditions apply.

The official Facebook account of the Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association. Follow us for expert tips and local knowledge for your visit to Barbados.

05/07/2024

Support Hurricane Beryl Relief Efforts! 🌊 🌀

Hurricane Beryl has caused significant damage to Carriacou, Petite Martinique in Grenada, and Mayreau, Canouan, and the Union Islands in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Your support is crucial to help rebuild these beautiful islands and support the impacted communities. Here's how you can make a difference:

➡️ Online Donations: Visit our secure donation portal at chtaef.com.

🌊 🌀Donate Hotel Stays and Activities: Contribute nights of stay, exclusive packages, or other awards for our relief auction. Your donations will be auctioned off, with all proceeds directly supporting hurricane relief efforts. Donate at https://member.caribbeanhotelandtourism.com/page/DonationstowardsBeryl.

Every contribution counts!💙

While Hurricane Beryl has affected specific areas, many Caribbean destinations are unaffected and welcoming tourists. Your visit not only supports the local economy but also aids communities in their recovery.

Thank you for your generosity and support!

Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association

04/07/2024

The Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association is looking for Team Managers and Coaches to lead the Barbados National Culinary Team at the 2024 Taste of the Caribbean Competition! 🌟

📅 Application Deadline: Saturday, July 13, 2024
👉 Apply Now: https://forms.gle/eRk4CLuVhnDvJUFL8

Join us and play a pivotal role in guiding our team to success on the world stage! 🌎✨

For inquiries, contact the BHTA at 622-5041 or email us at [email protected].

Don't miss this exciting opportunity!

Access Google Forms with a personal Google account or Google Workspace account (for business use).

03/07/2024

A huge thank you to Team BHTA for an extraordinary night at the Gallagher Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association 2024 Tourism Awards & Gala! Your hard work over the weeks leading up to the event truly paid off, resulting in a memorable evening celebrating our industry members.

03/07/2024

Immediate past Chairman, Renée Coppin was honoured at the Gallagher Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association 2024 Tourism Awards. The BHTA extends heartfelt thanks to Renée for her exceptional leadership and dedication to both the association and the tourism industry. We wish her all the best in her future endeavours!

03/07/2024

Gallagher Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association 2024 Tourism Awards presents the Employee of the Year (Coral Reef Club)

This award was presented to an employee who was nominated based on their demonstrated commitment to delivering excellence in services, contribution to the overall tourism experience for guests and team members and support for the initiatives of the organization.

Congratulations to Sheldon Davis on a job well done!

03/07/2024

Gallagher Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association 2024 Tourism Awards presents the Mixologist of the Year (Coral Reef Club)

This award is presented to a bartender who is employed either in an independent bar or within a hotel and possesses excellent mixology skills and is well-versed in making cocktails and mixing alcoholic drinks with a wide range of spirits. The bartender is versed in seasonal trends and can utilize ingredients to exceed customers’ expectations. The Bartender communicates well with his/her customers and can work in a fast-paced environment, being able to memorize multiple orders and customers’ names at once. Good team relationships, competitive spirit, boosts productivity and sales of the establishment.

Congratulations to Kedane Wood!

03/07/2024

Gallagher Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association 2024 Tourism Awards presents the Chef of the Year - Rodney Corbin (The Sandpiper)

Chef of the Year was presented to a chef who set high culinary standards and has served as a positive role model for other food professionals on their team and otherwise. Eligibility included being a chef for a minimum of 3 years and having demonstrated flair, creativity, and culinary skills in creating recipes for both local and other cuisines.

A big congrats to Rodney Corbin on his win!

30/06/2024

29/06/2024

Special Highlights from the Gallagher Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association 2024 Tourism Awards.

28/06/2024

Gallagher Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association 2024 Tourism Awards presents the Environmental and Sustainability Award - Chukka Caribbean Adventure Barbados Ltd.

This Environmental and Sustainability Award was presented to the company that displayed a commitment to highlighting the importance of the environment for the continued viability of the tourism industry, and demonstrates strong environmental responsibility in its daily operations. It demonstrated initiative and innovation with the implementation of their environmentally sustainable projects.

Congratulations to the team at Chukka Caribbean Adventure Barbados for their impactful work in protecting the environment and promoting sustainability in the tourism industry!

28/06/2024

Gallagher Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association 2024 Tourism Awards presents the Social Responsibility Award - Sandals Resorts Barbados

The Social Responsibility award was presented to the member that demonstrated outstanding achievements through leadership, innovation, and commitment to excellence in corporate social responsibility, while positively impacting various organisations and stakeholders through practices which highlight all four aspects of corporate social responsibility – environmental, philanthropic, ethical, and economic responsibilities.

Congratulations to the team at Sandals Resorts Barbados for their continued commitment towards excellence.

28/06/2024

Gallagher Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association 2024 Tourism Awards presents the Special Award (in Any Endeavour) - Lamar Francis (The Sandpiper)

This award honours an individual, company, or corporation in Barbados that has demonstrated exceptional service, outstanding acts, professionalism, and dedication in their contributions to the nation’s efforts in any endeavour.

Congratulations to Lamar for his outstanding service!

27/06/2024

📣SAVE THE DATE!📣

We’re thrilled to announce the return of Taste of the Caribbean! Mark your calendars for November 18-20, 2024, at the Kovens Conference Center in North Miami, Florida!

Experience the ultimate celebration of Caribbean cuisine at the region’s premier culinary competition and cultural showcase as top chefs, mixologists and culinary teams compete, showcase their skills, and learn from each other.

This year’s event promises an array of Caribbean cuisine, innovative educational sessions, and the opportunity to sample and purchase products from qualified vendors.

Stay tuned for updates on registration, travel, and accommodation!

Click here to confirm your interest and receive timely notifications: https://member.caribbeanhotelandtourism.com/page/CHIEFandTASTE-InterestForm

25/06/2024

Let’s Show the Best of Barbados! Let’s welcome the world!

On Friday June 28, 2024, all Barbadians are encouraged to show off our national colours on your homes, schools and offices! Let’s all wear our national colours to celebrate as we prepare to host our third Cricket World Cup Final!

Follow PrepareBarbados on social media as we get ready for Flag Day and feel free to share how you, your family and your office parade our national colours on June 28th.