Exhibitor Spotlight: Barbados

With Barbados returning to The Meetings Show in 2023 we caught up with Cedric Lynch, business development officer at Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc, to find out what’s been happening on the island and what we can expect to find out at this year’s show.

Tell us about Barbados’ MICE offering:

The MICE market in Barbados offers a wide range of options for meeting planners and event organizers. The island has several hotels, restaurants and attractions which are ideal for high-level meetings and events. Many hotels on the island also provide meeting spaces for smaller gatherings, including the Hilton Barbados Resort, Radisson Aquatica Resort, and the Fairmont Royal Pavilion. Additionally, the island's natural beauty and cultural offerings make it an ideal destination for incentive travel programs.

What makes Barbados such a great place for meetings and events?

Barbados' combination of stunning beaches, warm weather, and rich cultural heritage makes it a fantastic location for meetings and events. The island's luxurious resorts and hotels provide world-class amenities, while the local restaurants and music offer a unique atmosphere for unforgettable private events. The island's friendly and welcoming culture, along with its excellent air connectivity, makes it an attractive destination for both regional and international events.

Any new developments we should know about?  

There have been several exciting projects in the MICE market, most notably the opening of Sam Lord's Castle, A Wyndham Grand Resort. This is a luxurious all-inclusive resort that offers a one-of-a-kind experience to its guests, with meetings and events at the forefront of their offerings. The resort promises a luxury lifestyle experience that combines comfort, wellness, and eco-friendliness; and will add some 400+ rooms to our current room stock.

The island has also seen the opening of several new hotels and restaurants which are ideal for private MICE events, including Sandals Royal, O2 Beach Club, BAIA, QP Bistro and Local and Co. 

What’s next? What can event planners expect to see happening in Barbados in the future?

Barbados is set to host several exciting festivals and events, including the Barbados Food and Rum Festival, the Barbados Crop Over Festival and the Run Barbados Series all of which are excellent opportunities to experience the diversity of Barbados’ product offering.  

Additionally, the island is set to open the Apes Hill Villa Resort, a 450-acre luxury active lifestyle community located on the highest point of Barbados, offering breath-taking views of the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea. The community boasts an 18-hole championship golf course and a state-of-the-art Golf Performance and Teaching Centre. In addition to the golf amenities, there are also 200 luxury homes, a villa hotel, and a beach club. Apes Hill is the perfect place to enjoy a luxurious lifestyle in a stunning natural setting.

What can we expect from Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc (BTMI) at The Meetings Show 2023?

The BTMI will continue to position Barbados as the premier destination for meetings and events within the Caribbean region. The team hopes to connect with meeting planners, event organizers, and industry professionals, to highlight the island's excellent MICE offerings and establish valuable business relationships. Focus will also be placed on discovering the latest trends within the industry which can be implemented within future offerings.