It was more like a process of integration as a delegation from the Barbados Tourism Authority gave local members of the media, travel and airline agents a taste of the “land of the flying fish and cou cou” last week.

The visiting Barbadian delegation spared no effort to explain the ins and outs of their island and the numerous events that visitors could be part of. {{more}}

Among the attractions mentioned were Crop Over, the Barbados Jazz Festival, Gospel Fest and the first ever Reggae Festival as they spoke to media and travel agents gathered for a sales event at the Sunset Shores Hotel last Wednesday April 27.

The Barbadian team highlighted Barbados as the choice for business and for conferences. But they also offered a visit to the famed Harrison’s Cave where stalactites and stalagmites abound, as a chance to get a different experience.

Meanwhile Caribbean Star’s Regional Sales Manager, for the Southern Caribbean Shane Pilgrim noted that the initiative by the Barbados team to sell their island was commendable. He noted that this was necessary since not only the government would benefit but also the airline as he pointed out that with the coming of the Caribbean Single Market and Economy, (CSME) inter-regional travel would become easier.

Also expressing similar sentiments was Local Manager of LIAT, Dominic Patterson. He pushed home the point that Caribbean people must not see their island as just one destination, but as part of a region where they could discover other attractions.

Travel Agent Salona Francis and Caribbean Star representative Minya Lewis won airline tickets to Barbados including hotel accommodations and a rental car, while other prizes were given to members of the audience who answered questions correctly following a slide show and presentation about the island’s destination.