Event Hostess Cheryl Carter
(L-R) Mr. David Rice – President & C.E.O ~ Barbados Tourism Authority; R.P. B. (Mr. Stedson Wiltshire) - Reigning Calypso Monarch;
Ms. Cheryl Cater - Senior Business Development Manager ~ Barbados Tourism Authority, Canada and
Dr. Leroy McClean – Consul General ~ Consulate General of Barbados at Toronto.
For the past two years, fans of Barbados have been missing the annual Barbados on the Water festival at Toronto's Harbourfront. Its 13 year run was curtailed following the 2007 edition - the victim of budget restrictions...but, due to popular demand and certainly due to the fact that Barbados is celebrating significant success from the Canadian market...Barbados on the Water is back! The 14th annual festival took place over the past weekend under ideal conditions - perfectly sunny skies and the warm smiles of its hosts and participants.
On hand for the celebration were many fans of Barbados, both official and unofficial. The Barbados Tourism Authority's Cheryl Carter opened the festival welcoming travel industry partners, dignitaries and fellow Bajans at a special VIP reception on Friday evening. On hand to celebrate and deliver the good news about the positive results from the Canadian market were Consul-General Leroy McClean and David Rice President and CEO of the BTA.
Canadians are enjoying Barbados in ever increasing numbers. During this past winter's "peak" season, 14.5% more Canadians flocked to Barbados than last year...certainly aided by increased lift from Air Canada and WestJet. In all 65,000 Canadians travelled to Barbados last year and David Rice thinks we can easily achieve 100,000 within the next few years.
Barbados on the Water is one way to ensure existing ties are strengthened and new fans are created. The festival was packed with special musical guests (including Red Plastic Bag, Ria Borman, Elan Trotman and CiCi), performances of the Bajan play Going For Love, culinary challenges, crafts and family activities.
So, if you missed it...you missed it, but we've been promised Barbados on the Water will be back next year.
