BRIDGETOWN — Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. is cheering new lift from Halifax to BGI.
The new nonstop flight with Air Canada from YHZ marks a significant milestone for Barbados in introducing nonstop service from Atlantic Canada, says BTMI.
The new service will operate weekly on Thursdays starting Dec. 17 on 177-seat Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft.
BTMI says the new route is the result of more than 18 months of direct engagement in Halifax and Atlantic Canada. This country continues to be one of Barbados’ key source markets, with steady growth in visitor arrivals and increasing demand across key regions, including Atlantic Canada, Ontario, Quebec and Western Canada.
“This is a defining moment for Barbados in the Canadian market,” said Eusi Skeete, Director, Canada. “In the last year we have achieved the highest visitor arrivals from Canada in 45 years, welcomed expanded capacity on Air Canada from Toronto and increased frequency from Montreal.
Skeete added: “Over the past 18 months, we have taken a highly strategic and intentional approach to amplifying our presence in Atlantic Canada through engaging trade partners and consumers, strengthening our partnerships with key stakeholders and positioning Barbados as the preferred choice for Atlantic Canadians. This new nonstop service is a direct outcome of that work, and it unlocks new opportunities particularly in regions where demand is growing and access has been limited. We will continue to reinforce Barbados as a destination that is not only aspirational but now increasingly more accessible. We want to thank our partners in Halifax and the and throughout Atlantic Canada.”
Ian Gooding-Edghill, Minister of Tourism and International Transport, said Barbados is “extremely pleased to see the introduction of this new service and extend our sincere thanks to Air Canada for its continued confidence in Barbados as a destination. Increasing airlift and improving accessibility to the island remains a key priority of this ministry, and this new route is directly aligned with our overall airlift strategy for the destination. We are continuing to explore other opportunities both in our key source markets and emerging markets to ensure that we are well positioned to stimulate sustainable growth for Barbados.”
Andrea Franklin, Chief Executive Officer of BTMI, highlighted the broader impact of the new service beyond visitor arrivals.
“With this new nonstop service, Barbados continues to strengthen its position within the Canadian market, enhancing ease of travel while reinforcing its reputation as a premier Caribbean destination. The route will drive incremental growth, support tourism stakeholders, and further solidify the island’s long-standing relationship with Canada,” said Franklin.
