Tourism Partners on Island

The Tourism Development Corporation (TDC) functions as an excellent catalyst for tourism development in Barbados by directing member contributions in support of qualified, sustainable overseas marketing and on-island product enhancement initiatives, with the view to: –

• Increase the awareness of Barbados as a quality tourism destination in major tourist markets;
• Increase visitor arrivals to the island, as well as on-island visitor spend, and
• Improve the tourism product to maintain interest and enhance the visitor’s experience.

Barbados Tourism Investment Inc. (BTI) was formed under the Companies Act on April 17, 1998. The Government of Barbados is the sole shareholder and is represented by the Minister of Tourism and International Transport.
The BTI is a critical conduit to guide your Barbados investment experience by providing details on all relevant private sector and government agencies to help you better leverage your time and resources.

The Government of Barbados has acknowledged the importance of travel and tourism as a vital export sector and has offered attractive incentives to investors such as a reduction of duties and taxes on all inputs to the industry. Factors such as this has led to the island being voted in the top 10% worldwide for its emphasis on the travel and tourism industry.

Barbados Conference Services Limited (BCSL) is the management body for the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre (LESC), the largest stand-alone conference facility on the picturesque island of Barbados. Through the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre we offer you premium event management assistance both remotely and onsite. Our dedicated team of professionals stands committed to delivering quality service to all its clients through our commitment to excellence.

The Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre (LESC) formerly known as Sherbourne Conference Centre is the largest stand-alone conference facility on the picturesque island of Barbados. Established in August 1994, this meeting venue quickly became the premier conference venue in the Caribbean and has been duly rewarded over the years for its quality service and versatile facilities. These include the ‘Caribbean’s Leading Conference Centre’ by the World Travel Awards (2003-2006 & 2009) and the ‘Achievement of Excellence – Support Services’ by the Barbados Tourism Awards 2009.

GAIA is Barbados’ only airport and the aviation hub of the Eastern Caribbean, handling daily flights to and from the other Caribbean islands connecting to major cities in the US, Canada, UK and Europe. Nonstop flights occur daily to London,Toronto, New York, and Miami as well as to most of our Caribbean neighbours.

From 2004-2006, GAIA undertook a major terminal expansion and renovation project which saw us transform from a single terminal building into a two terminal facility with dedicated departures and arrivals terminals. These buildings are linked by a fresh, tent-themed architectural approach to take full advantage of our tropical climate, yet be totally functional and modern. These changes cater to increased aircraft and passenger arrivals and ensure the comfort of all users of the airport.

The Bridgetown Port is a modern facility, structured to ensure its competitiveness and maximum operational efficiency. Berth 5 has been added with an additional 150 m and on it a Panamax Gantry crane has been placed. The crane was part of a $100 million project for the reorganization of the Port facility, which included five Diesel-Electric straddle carriers and other container and cargo handling equipment. The Port now has deeper berthing areas and acres of reclaimed land, as we build capacity to accommodate larger Cruise and Cargo vessels.