BRIDGETOWN — December is not everyone’s favourite month in Canada, especially outside the holiday season.

But in Barbados, where the sun shines year-round, and winter doesn’t exist, everything in December is pretty delightful.

This was the reality for 10 lucky travel advisors from across Canada who participated in an exclusive FAM trip sponsored by Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI) and Travelweek last month, just before the holiday rush.

The Run Barbados FAM is not your ordinary fam trip. Each moment of the itinerary was designed to highlight the diversity of the easternmost Caribbean island. Our group experienced five thrilling days filled with engaging activities, meaningful connections and inspiration for future bookings.

While Barbados exudes its own laid-back charm, travel pros quickly realized that this tropical paradise offers much more than meets the eye.

“My first visit to Barbados exceeded every expectation,” Vancouver-based Serra Hughes, an advisor with Adventures Abroad, told Travelweek.

“I arrived anticipating beautiful beaches – and they certainly delivered – but what truly captivated me was the island’s remarkable diversity. A snorkelling excursion aboard a luxurious private catamaran added a magical touch to my trip, allowing me to explore an incredible underwater world filled with sea turtles, rays and shipwrecks!”

Most of the Run Barbados FAM participants were first-time visitors to Barbados

“COME FOR THE RUN, STAY FOR THE FUN”

Barbados, recognized as one of the sporting capitals of the Caribbean, boasts a busy calendar filled with world-class sporting events each year, with running being a notable highlight. Among the successful recurring events each December is the Run Barbados Marathon & Wellness weekend, which recently celebrated its 42nd year.

Our ‘Team Canada’ agent group had the opportunity to join in on the excitement with a pre-race warm-up and participate in one of the 5k or 10k distances, proudly receiving their earned medals as they crossed the finish line.

In an interview with Travelweek, Kamal Springer, sports manager at BTMI, confirmed that the number of international race participants is on the rise. For 2025, the number of runners exceeded 600, bringing the total to approximately 2,600 participants.

What makes this event such a success? According to Springer, there are three key selling points: “Everyone receives a medal for each event, official accreditation for athletics, and, not to be discounted, to enjoy warm Bajan temperatures as parts of the world shiver. All have been a significant draw for us.”

The event offers various distances, from a one-mile race, 5K, 10K, half and full marathon, along with a hike.

Participants can engage in the high-energy weekend competitively or simply for fun.

For Tammy Morgan from Maritime Travel in Pickering, ON, the event was a unique active component to the fam.

“Taking part in the Run Barbados Weekend added an exciting and memorable dimension to my visit,” said Morgan.

For Hughes, the fam highlight was being part of Team Canada at Run Barbados.

“There’s something special about experiencing a destination surrounded by fellow runners and the energy of the local community. I’m already looking forward to my next visit,” she said.

Meanwhile, the Barbados Run weekend’s appeal is getting even better. Springer shared that travel packages will be available next year, featuring restaurant deals and a variety of attractions, encouraging visitors to extend their stays when planning their trips.

And if all goes to plan, those ideas could bring a 10-15% increase in international visitation.

Barbados also hosts several major sporting events, including cricket, swimming, motorsport and obstacle course racing, the Football Masters Classic, and bridge championships, an event that attracts upwards of 4,000 participants.

IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCES

A rum tasting tour at Stade’s Rum Distillery, established in 1893, one of four rum distilleries on the island

Throughout the trip, the group enjoyed a variety of unique experiences that highlighted the island’s diversity through immersive and active adventures.

One of those experiences included a visit to Coco Hill Forest, which served as a perfect introduction to nature at its finest. This 53-acre agrotourism project features hiking trails that overlook the rugged east coast of Barbados, and visitors can enjoy both a tree planting experience and a scenic nature walk.

Of course, Barbados is also renowned for its gastronomy, with each dining experience contributing to a delightful culinary journey throughout the trip.

The local fare must-tries? Don’t miss the pepperpot stew, Bajan macaroni pie and breadfruit – a popular and versatile, starchy fruit that can be baked, boiled or fried.

Other trip highlights included …

• A curated group lunch at the newly refurbished Colony Club Hotel
• A rum tasting tour at Stade’s Rum Distillery, established in 1893, which is one of the four rum distilleries on the island
• A cooking demonstration with an oceanview backdrop featuring chef and poet Damian Reid of The Baobab Kitchen
• A relaxing private lunch cruise on board the luxury Silver Dancer, complete with stops for snorkelling with sea turtles.

TRAVEL ADVISORS GIVE BACK

Contributing to a community project can be an uplifting experience, especially when leaving the destination knowing you’ve made a small difference.

On the last day of the trip, our group visited Milton Lynch Primary School in Oistins, Christ Church, where we received a warm Bajan welcome from the principal, teachers, and students. Notably, a donation of $1,300 was made on behalf of the advisors to help the school purchase a much-needed mixer. Additionally, each travel advisor brought school supplies from home to donate.

Judging by the smiles, the gesture had a significant impact on the school, bringing joy and appreciation from the community.

Moreover, the celebratory mood was enhanced with a group hug session with the children, making the experience truly memorable.

A donation of $1,300 was made to Milton Lynch Primary School in Oistins, Christ Church on behalf of the Run Barbados FAM group travel advisors and Travelweek’s Annie Cicvaric (centre), to help the school purchase a much-needed mixer

AIR CANADA UPDATE

Thanks to additional flights, getting to Barbados has become much more accessible. With Air Canada’s expanded service, the island can welcome more visitors, especially during peak winter months.

The highly anticipated B787-9 Dreamliner will operate Air Canada’s Toronto-Barbados route with up to nine flights per week, offering double frequencies on Fridays and Sundays during peak periods.

Additionally, direct flights from Montreal to Barbados are available with a commitment to maintain the route year-round.

AGENTS LOVE BARBADOS

Most participants were first-time visitors to Barbados, including Ashley McAllister, a Maritime travel advisor from Brantford, ON. “I was lucky to explore this beautiful island packed with culture, gastronomy, and scenery,” McAllister told Travelweek.

“Participating in Run Barbados for the marathon weekend was special, but what stood out most was our visit to the primary school. We were able to donate supplies and witness the difference that it can make,” she added.

Robert Rizzo, a TravelOnly travel advisor from Toronto, is a frequent visitor, having made as many as 10 trips to the island.

What keeps him and his clients coming back? “The deep connection they feel to the sea, culture, and people. Although the beautiful accommodations, stunning beaches and outstanding food all play a role, it’s also about the lasting impressions that stay with you long after you leave,” he told Travelweek.

A big thank you to FAM sponsors Air Canada, Wyndham Grand Barbados Sam Lord’s Castle Resort, Run Barbados Marathon & Wellness, and Barker Printer Solutions.

Lead image caption: Ten lucky travel advisors from across Canada participated in an exclusive Run Barbados FAM trip sponsored by Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI) and Travelweek. The ‘Team Canada’ agent group proudly received their earned medals as they crossed the finish line (all photos courtesy Annie Cicvaric)