Those in control of tourism
offerings need to ‘up the ante' to enhance their existing product and provide
more to those who visit these shores.
This was the sentiment shared by
Minister of Tourism, Richard Sealy, as he delivered remarks at the launch of
Tiami's Spirit of Barbados luxury catamaran cruises last Saturday.
The Minister noted that in addition
to introducing a new product to the market, the Tiami Cruises gift centre at
the Shallow Draught was a prime example of developing another creative avenue
for generating revenue for the business. He suggested that "too many
attractions have not exploited the merchandising element as effectively as they
should," and praised the forethought of the directors of Tiami, a company
which he considered "a pioneer" within its sector.
Mr. Sealy observed that the leaders
at Tiami's parent company, Foster and Ince Tourism Group, should be lauded for
investing in the Spirit of Barbados during these economic times. He added that
their decision to improve on their existing product could be mirrored with the
quality of service offered.
"The same way that the investors
and managers have decided to up the ante in terms of the offering...we have to
up the ante in terms of the level of service delivery," the Minister
stressed, "to make sure our visitors want to come back in these tough
economic times".
Although catering to a more
exclusive cruising niche, Mr. Sealy noted that the Spirit of Barbados
"couldn't have come at a better time, because we all know, the Harbour
Master has sailed south and has gone now to please Trinidadians for the time
being...[but] I believe it will come back. But we are happy to see that within
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