Over 35 hoteliers and suppliers are set to be joined by some national cricketing heroes and the Minister for Tourism on the Barbados stand.
The Hon. Richard L. Sealy, MP, Minister for Tourism and International Transport will head up the official delegation, while former cricketer Sir Garfield Sobers and some of Barbados’ current international cricketers will also be present.
Visitors to the stand can find out about the latest air services, hotel openings and tourism themes – and if they arrive during Happy Hour at 3pm every day, they can enjoy a selection of Barbadian rum cocktails, specially prepared by a mixologist.
Barbados is now even more accessible with the Virgin Atlantic Airlines launch of a twice-weekly direct service from Heathrow from December 2017 until April 2018, as well as a direct, weekly Gatwick flight with Thomas Cook, which operates from December 2017 to March 2018.
New hotel openings include the Sands Barbados, a contemporary-styled all-inclusive hotel situated on a stunning white sandy beach near St Lawrence Gap, which opens in October 2017. Another all-inclusive, Sandals Royal Barbados will become Sandals Resorts International (SRI)’s second hotel on the island when it opens on December 20.
Re-opening in December 2017 following a multi-million dollar transformation, the Sea Breeze Beach House is a unique, premium-branded all-inclusive resort.
Further ahead, Wyndham Hotel Barbados and Hyatt Centric Resort, Bridgetown are both due to open in 2019.
Shortly after WTM, Barbados will hold its annual Food and Rum Festival, from November 16-19, celebrating the gastronomic and rum heritage of the island.
Known as the culinary capital of the Caribbean, this foodie lover’s dream will feature a sophisticated, upscale celebration of gastronomic art. This year, British Michelin starred chef Tom Aikens will host an opulent evening of fine dining at the infamous Tides restaurant.
Other international chefs include Canadian Chris De Rosa and chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten.
From December 1-3, the island hosts the 35th Run Barbados, a series of road races including the Fortress Half Marathon, the Marathon Relay and the Cave Shepherd Relay.