Barbados Welcomes Surinam Airways Inaugural Flight, Marking a Milestone in Regional Connectivity
In a historic moment, Barbados celebrated the inaugural flight of Surinam Airways to the island on December 20th, 2023. Surinam Airways, will operate two flights a week, providing convenient connections on Wednesdays and Sundays. This new air link establishes vital connections between Barbados, Suriname, Guyana, and South America, strengthening regional ties and fostering economic cooperation.
The chosen aircraft for this exciting venture was the Boeing 737-800, offering 12 business, 42 premium economy, and 96 economy seats, ensuring a comfortable and efficient travel experience for passengers.
A Milestone for CARICOM
The Hon Sandra Husbands, Minister of State for Foreign Trade and International Business for Barbados, expressed her excitement, stating, “This inauguration presents a moment in which CARICOM is taking a step forward to bring to life that which we agreed years ago with the Treaty of Chaguaramas, to be able as a region to work together for our own betterment. I want to thank every single person who has worked tirelessly to give us this opportunity to convert an idea into reality so that the people of this region can actively benefit.”
This connection has been in the works between the two islands for quite some time but despite some challenges it was finally executed.
Acting CEO of Surinam Airways, Steven Gonesh, emphasized the significance of the new route, declaring, “This new route is an important step to promote the Caribbean spirit, create better connectivity and cooperation. We are here and we’re here to stay. I want to call on everybody to support this operation for both passenger and cargo operations so we can make it a great success.”
Mr. Rabin Boeddha, Director of Tourism, Communication, and Tourism for the Republic of Suriname, added, that this milestone intensifies the bilateral relationship between Suriname and Barbados, based on ties in different areas such as trade, tourism, and hospitality, enhancing business and further improving connectivity and access to other regional and non-American destinations.
Increased Connectivity
Suriname, once known as Dutch Guiana, is one of South America’s smallest countries and one of the most ethnically diverse countries in the Americas. It is also an untapped market for Barbados.
Craig Hinds, Acting CEO of the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc, underscored the broader benefits, stating, “The benefits of increased airlift extend beyond Suriname, reaching into other markets that hold tremendous potential for Barbados. French Guyana, are just a few examples, and we also see opportunities in Belem (Brazil), Aruba, and Curacao (Willemstad).”
The celebration was graced by the presence of distinguished guests, including the Minister of Economic Affairs, Rishma Kuldipsingh, Minister of Agriculture, Parmanand Sewdien of the Republic of Suriname, and the Chair of the BTMI, Shelly Williams.
This inaugural flight marks the beginning of a new era of collaboration, economic growth, and enhanced connectivity within the Caribbean region.
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About Barbados
The island of Barbados is a Caribbean gem rich in cultural, heritage, sporting, culinary and eco experiences. It is surrounded by idyllic white sand beaches and is the only coral island in the Caribbean. With over 400 restaurants and eateries, Barbados is the Culinary Capital of the Caribbean. The island is also known as the birthplace of rum, commercially producing and bottling the finest blends since the 1700s. In fact, many can experience the island’s historic rums at the annual Barbados Food and Rum Festival. The island also hosts events like the annual Crop Over Festival, where A-lists celebrities like our very own Rihanna are often spotted, and the annual Run Barbados Marathon, the largest marathon in the Caribbean. As the motorsport island, it is home to the leading circuit-racing facility in the English-speaking Caribbean. Known as a sustainable destination, Barbados was named one of the world’s Top Nature Destinations in 2022 by the Traveler’s Choice Awards’ and in 2023 won the Green Destinations Story Award for Environment and Climate in 2021, the island won seven Travvy awards. Accommodations on the island are wide and varied, ranging from picturesque private villas to quaint boutique hotels, cozy Airbnbs, prestigious international chains and award-winning five-diamond resorts. Travelling to this paradise is a breeze as the Grantley Adams International Airport offers a variety non-stop and direct services from growing U.S, U.K., Canadian, Caribbean, European, and Latin American gateways. Arriving by ship is also easy as Barbados is a marquee port with calls from the world’s best cruise and luxury liners. So, it’s about time that you Visit Barbados and experience all that this 166-square-mile isle has to offer.
For more information on travel to Barbados, visit www.visitbarbados.org, follow on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/VisitBarbados, and via Twitter @Barbados.
