15.05.2020

Barbados, The UK's number one holiday destination, launches 'Barbados Cares' NHS initiative'

Today, Barbados is bringing a little piece of Caribbean sunshine into the lives of Britain’s NHS frontline heroes, by rewarding their tireless efforts to protect lives across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

With long established connections to the UK, Barbados is inviting the British public to nominate their NHS heroes, and share their stories, in order to win an incredible holiday to the idyllic island, when travel resumes.

Twenty NHS healthcare workers, and their guests, will be chosen to enjoy a truly memorable, seven-night trip to the island, as part of the Barbados Cares campaign.

Winners will be given the chance to experience this uniquely special island and all it has to offer, when they are selected by a panel of judges comprising, H.E. Milton Inniss, Barbados High Commissioner to London; world-renowned DJ Carl Cox; Michelin Star Chef Tom Aikens; Chairperson of WPP and GroupM CEO Karen Blackett, OBE; Smooth Radio’s Angie Greaves; Sue Springer Director for Corporate and Government Relations, The Caribbean Council; and actor David Harewood, MBE, who all share a love and affinity for the island.

“We are delighted to be able to celebrate the invaluable work of these everyday heroes in Britain,” said Cheryl Carter, Director, UK of the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. “Our countries are inextricably linked, historically and culturally, and we have been extremely moved by the work that the NHS and its extraordinary professionals are doing at this difficult time. We want to create a platform where their amazing stories can be told and, their efforts commended, as they continue to inspire us every day,” she added.

Shining a Light on NHS Heroes: How to get involved

From today, Barbados invites friends and family to nominate brave and selfless heroes of the NHS and share their inspiring stories by creating an image or video post on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter outlining why they deserve a holiday. Photos and videos should feature the hand heart gesture as a symbol of love for the NHS and their chosen nominee, and use the hashtag #BarbadosCares in order to be submitted. Nominations are then finalised by visiting www.BarbadosCares.com and completing the short form including a link to the post.

Entries are open until 11:59 on 31st May, after which the panel of judges, will review all submissions. The 20 winners will be announced on 15th June and will be agreed based on the most heart-warming stories that best show commitment, dedication and resilience. No story is too small and no kind act too trivial – Barbados would like to hear all nominations so that they can truly celebrate and reward such super-human efforts.

“Barbados is thrilled to be able to recognise those who have put themselves at risk to care for others. We urge all members of the public to nominate their individual heroes,” Carter stated.

NHS Hero

Full terms and conditions are available at www.BarbadosCares.com

About Barbados – the jewel of the Caribbean

Barbados is the easternmost of the Caribbean islands and offers visitors a truly authentic experience. With a rich culture and history, the island is 166 square miles and has a population of approximately 275,000 people. Though given the name “Los Barbados” by Portuguese sailors in the 1500s, the first English settlers arrived in 1627, and the island remained a British colony until 1966, when it became an independent nation.

With 80-plus pristine white-sand beaches, from the calm azure waters of the west coast to the unspoilt, crashing waves of the east, Barbados is justifiably famed for its beaches. Whilst many are recognised as the most beautiful in the world, Barbados has plenty more to offer the discerning traveller. Visit plantation houses, botanic gardens, rum distilleries and caves nestled among the fields of sugar cane, as well as the capital Bridgetown and its historic Garrison area. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is not to be missed and represents a significant era of British colonial military heritage.

Barbados is often referred to as the culinary capital of the Caribbean. The island has an unparalleled food scene, with an array of outlets, from places to try the local cuisine to fine dining restaurants and everything in between. The island has a programme of numerous festivals throughout the year, from jazz to sailing, gospel to rum, reggae to horse racing and of course one of the calendar highlights, Crop Over and Grand Kadooment.

Barbados is the dream destination for your travels: with over 3,000 hours of sunshine per annum, a year-round tropical climate with average temperatures in the high 20s, and a safe, welcoming environment, it is tailor-made for fun, relaxation and surprise.

For more information on travel to Barbados, visit www.visitbarbados.org, follow on Facebook at www.facebook.com/VisitBarbados, via Twitter @Barbados or Instagram @VisitBarbados.

For more information on Barbados, please contact: Barbados@SevenDialsPR.com
Follow Seven Dials on Instagram @sevendialspr

Barbados, The UK’s number one holiday destination, launches ‘Barbados Cares’ NHS initiative’