BRIDGETOWN — This was what you’d call a successful debut.

For its first-ever Canadian-market mega-FAM trip, Barbados delivered an exemplary operation that truly won over the 50 invited travel advisors.

From October 15 to 19, participants were immersed in this destination where the sun shines 365 days a year and hospitality is a way of life.

Strategic meetings with some 40 suppliers, hotel visits across all categories, a sunset catamaran cruise, and immersive experiences focused on romance, culture, gastronomy, and soft adventure. Every moment was designed to inspire and spark a genuine love for Barbados.

“We’ve seen strong interest from Canada, both from travel advisors and consumers,” said Eusi Skeete, Director of BTMI (Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc.) for Canada, in an interview. “We felt it was essential to show our appreciation to our travel agency partners while reaffirming our commitment to them. The best way to do that was by inviting our Canadian advisors to experience Barbados from the inside – to immerse themselves in the culture and enjoy a truly exceptional and memorable stay on the island.”

STRONG TIES WITH CANADA

At the official launch of the mega-FAM at the Hilton Barbados Resort, Cheryl Carter, BTMI’s Chief Operating Officer, highlighted the strength of the relationship between Barbados and Canada.

“Historically, Canada has always been – and remains – one of our key markets,” she said. “Between January and August this year, our island welcomed over 60,000 Canadian visitors. Our two countries share a deeply rooted relationship, reflecting Canadians’ lasting and natural attachment to our island, our culture and our people.”

A SUN DESTINATION THAT’S BECOMING MORE ACCESSIBLE

These ties are expected to grow even stronger, with Air Canada set to expand its air service to Barbados. Beginning in late October, the highly anticipated B787-9 Dreamliner will operate the Toronto-Barbados route from Wednesday to Sunday.

In addition to the Dreamliner’s premium onboard experience, Air Canada has announced a broader flight program to Barbados, with a significant increase in available seats for the upcoming winter season. Starting Nov. 2, the airline will launch direct flights from Montreal to Barbados, six weeks earlier than originally planned.

Air Canada will also increase its Toronto departures to nine flights per week, including double frequencies on Fridays and Sundays during peak times. These changes represent a 16% increase in seat capacity, enabling Barbados to welcome even more visitors during the especially busy winter months.

“These commitments clearly show Air Canada’s confidence in Barbados, the destination’s year-round performance, and the strong projected demand for the island in upcoming seasons,” said G.P. Ian Gooding-Edghill, Barbados’ Minister of Tourism and International Transport.

He said that Barbados is also committed to making Montreal a year-round route, adding that the island also plans to open new services from Ottawa and Halifax, “to ensure direct and enhanced connectivity with these strategic markets.”

Gooding-Edghill also highlighted the ongoing improvements to the tourism offering to meet rising demand.

“This is an exciting time, with several hotel openings planned that will expand our accommodation offering across various market segments,” he said.

A RICH AND DIVERSE HOTEL OFFERING

Over the next two years, several major properties will enhance Barbados’ hotel scene. Among them …

• Blue Monkey Hotel & Resort – a boutique hotel with 28 rooms
• Royalton Vessence Barbados – an all-inclusive with 220 luxury suites
• Hyatt Ziva – an all-inclusive in Carlisle Bay, with 380 rooms and 28 condos

Marriott International also plans to open three new properties in 2026 …

• Crystal Cove Hotel will join the Tribute Portfolio in January
• Treasure Beach Resort and Tamarind will become part of the Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort on May 1 and May 17, respectively

Already well established in Barbados, Marriott International recently opened four new properties, including the fully renovated Colony Club, now part of the Luxury Collection.

Located on the famous Platinum Coast, the hotel, which reopened in September, offers a European plan allowing guests to customize their culinary experience while enjoying high-end amenities and personalized service. Highlights include Laguna restaurant, which serves refined takes on Bajan classics, and the Rum Vault, the island’s first of its kind, offering tastings of over 150 rums from around the world.

“We offer our clients and travel advisors a wide range of options to suit every need and preference,” said Omar Carrington, Director of Sales for The Barbados Collection at Marriott International.

“If you’re looking for an adults-only all-inclusive, we have The House, part of the Autograph Collection. For families, Waves Resort & Spa Barbados, also in the Autograph Collection, is a perfect fit. We’ve also set up special programs for travel advisors to explore our properties and enjoy them themselves, with great value for money.”

UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCES 

The mega-FAM gave Canadian advisors a chance to explore the depth and diversity of Barbados’ hotel offerings, staying in properties like Colony Club, O2 Beach Club & Spa, Hilton Barbados Resort and The Sands Barbados.

They also enjoyed guided visits to The Rockley, The Crane, Seabreeze and Wyndham Grand Barbados Sam Lords Castle.

In between, advisors enjoyed a high-end dinner at Champers restaurant, a submarine excursion with Atlantis Submarines, and a historical tour of the capital, Bridgetown.

“It wasn’t just about inspecting hotels,” said Skeete. “The goal of this mega-FAM was to highlight the diversity of Barbados and the richness of its overall experience. That’s why we organized a variety of activities tailored to different interests, giving Canadian advisors a full 360-degree perspective of the Barbadian experience – and helping them answer the key question: Why choose Barbados?”

MEGA-FAM AGENTS SHARE FEEDBACK

“I only knew Barbados from cruise stops. This FAM trip gave me ideas on how clients can better explore the destination, especially through local experiences and the island’s rich history. This will really help me sell Barbados more effectively.”

– Christine Moore, Aqua Terra Voyages (Laval)

“I’m part of the Barbados Elite Club, where you can log your sales and get perks like free nights. But visiting the hotels was really important for me. I also loved the submarine excursion – that was a pretty unique experience.”
— Monique Caron, Voyages Westmount (Montreal)

“Even though I’ve been here several times, this experience gave me a fresh perspective and allowed me to discover Barbados in a new light. You can’t know everything about every property and activity, so this gave me the chance to get familiar with the offerings and better present and sell them to clients.”
— Scott Stone, Universal Travel (St. John’s, NL)

Malik Cocherel writes for ProfessionVoyages.com, part of The Travelweek Group. For more information about travel to Barbados see visitbarbados.org.