Minister of Tourism and International Transport, Ian Gooding-Edghill, has reported to Parliament a strong recovery of Barbados’ tourism sector post-covid, with solid arrivals for the year so far and promising bookings for the coming summer period.

He was speaking as the estimates debate commenced in the House of Assembly with a focus on tourism.

Mr. Gooding-Edghill noted that the rebound has been strongest in the important UK market with arrivals numbers for January this year exceeding the same month in 2018.

While there was also recovery in arrivals from the US and Canada, they lagged behind the rate of rebound out of the UK.

The Minister says North America requires more work.

The tourism says summer numbers are also trending upwards but sees a need for more work on that period.

He also disclosed that the BTMI is completing a five year strategic plan and served notice that the BTMI executives will be held accountable for delivering results.

Barbados is also engaged in talks with Airlines in the US to boost airlift out of that market.