The Barbados Tourism Authority team, Marcelle Bennett, Jennifer Braithwaite,
Neval Greenidge, Brita Greaves &
Cheryl Braithwaite
Sophia Gunning, The Crane; Elaine Carnegie, Canlink Travel; Cathy Zappia, AIMIA;
Helen Schur Paris, Sunlinc &
Lee Ann Marano, AIMIA
Vision 2000's Jason Swaye ijoined by Elegant Hotel's Annika Klint & Olessa Bilyk of Prestige Corporate Incentives
Catarina Gurreri, ACV; Tracy Jones, Hilton Barbados; ACV's Carine Paquin,
Lana Gharib & Stephanie Raymond, with Cheryl Carter, Barbados Tourism Authority
The splendid roast beef buffet table
Some tasks in the travel industry are harder than others. Hosting a successful event for a group of MICE planners, agents and suppliers is the kind of thing that could make anyone a little nervous. But Barbados' Senior Business Development Manager, Cheryl Carter, and her team came through in spades at their recent 2012 IncentiveWorks Reception at the Intercontinental Toronto Centre.
The event attracted a group of top meeting, incentive and event planners who were wined and dined in the hospitable and accommodating way Bajans are known for. As you might expect, there was oodles of rum and a wonderful dessert table, and even though it wasn't the traditional cou cou and salt fish I'd been hoping to try, everyone was delighted with the massive buffet of roast beef and yorkshire pudding.
Plentiful food and drink is always a good way to celebrate and that's what the event was for. As Carter explained, "We want to thank everyone for their support. Barbados is open for business - and MICE business especially." It's clear the country is keen to attract groups of any size and by working with their local suppliers to adapt their existing spaces, Cheryl explained that they can help ensure a smooth event for as many as 1,500 people.
A group of that size would be welcome news for the suppliers present at the Intercontinental - Reps from Air Canada Vacations were present and happy to describe their extensive support for Barbados. Air Canada offers daily flights ex YYZ (twice daily on weekends) and a once weekly flight ex YUL. They acknowledged that even in difficult economic times, Barbados is doing well - as Lhana Gharib from ACV happily pointed out, "Flights are full."
Bajan suppliers were also well represented. Anderson Daniel of Barefoot Meetings and Incentives explained why Barbados is a great destination for MICE travel, "We find that Canadians like Barbados because it's such a safe and welcoming destination," he said. "It's simple to get around, there's lots of great nightlife, restaurants and activities like SCUBA - and you can even drink the water. Visitors love how easy it all is.”
Annika Klint of Elegant Hotels explained that another reason Canadians head to Barbados is the wide selection of privately owned and brand name properties available. Ranging from Elegant's distinguished and recently refurbished Colony Club to the family friendly Bougainvillea Beach Resort and the Hilton Barbados, Canadians are spoiled for choice.
Whatever option your clients choose for their meetings or holidays, Barbados is ready to welcome Canadian visitors with open arms... and maybe some roast beef!
