Comments on: Sustaining satisfaction: Tourism in a time of trouble

By: Haus Auf Lennon from Saint Michael, Barbados

Fri, 29 May 2009 16:41:52 +0000

I agree with the comments of Randy D. some diversification in our economy, and innovative, SOUND diversification, is required if we are to survive the troughs that tourism is susceptible to.

Remaining strictly on the point of tourism’s future in the Caribbean however, I do not think, and I stand corrected, that the Barbadian government and the responsible agencies do enough to engender tourism market development. I think, from a fairly ‘insider’ perspective, that the plans and ideas are tired and played out, and are not innovative solutions that will ensure a resilient tourism industry here.

For starters, and I don’t want to get carried away, because I am very passionate on this area – our development of airline service is topsy-turvy at best! It may sound nice to have a new airline appear at GAIA, but there is more work that must be done, and currently, we subsidize these carriers and they have no real support or initiative to come to our shores, and furthermore, our marketing drive to support such new services is deplorable!

We need innovation! I cannot stress that word enough! It’s lunch time, and I take my leave!

By: Randy D. from Saint Michael, Barbados

Wed, 29 Apr 2009 16:07:35 +0000

To be honest, Barbados would do well to branch out from tourism. Be creative for Christ sake. You are surrounded by water – ok, does that mean the only industry you can become involved in is tourism? I have a friend wo lives there, she is catching hell to find a job that any degree other than cooking, hospitality or accounts can get her. What’s wrong with attracting big banks, good offshore companies or providing some new diverse services? It seems like Caribbean countries haven’t advanced beyond servicing the old colonizers.

By: Marcus from Saint Michael, Barbados

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 19:05:25 +0000

I know, right? Btw, left a reply on your last article wrt HIV.

By: Charlsea Ewing from Colorado, United States

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 16:35:55 +0000

Marcus ~ What a hilarious comment! Makes the point of governments taking a very lackadaisical approach very evident.
As Shannon pointed out there are some very cheap alternatives out there. I spent 6 months in Southeast Asia last year and can vouch for the great deals on guest houses and food in that area. However, Asia isn’t nearly as convenient – nor is it considered as safe – as the Caribbean. At least for American travelers. Europeans who aren’t keen on the ‘backpacking’ lifestyle are also more likely to stick to the resorts and package deals. In the end, it’s all about personal preference and what tourist are willing to give up to save a buck or two.

By: Shannon @ Luxury Travel from Rizal, Philippines

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 19:31:01 +0000

I think perhaps a lot more tourists would try to look at alternatives of a lesser cost, say destinations in Asia? Tourism based businesses are probably very aware that they are susceptible and because of this they will try to market more aggressively especially on the Internet.

By: Marcus from Saint Michael, Barbados

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 03:52:52 +0000

This article made me remember something hilarious. In his one year anniversary press conference, a reporter pressed the Prime Minister on whether he had any contingency plans for if tourism fell off. He looked like a deer caught in the headlights and to paraphrase, it went like this: “tourism, fall off? We don’t see that happening. I spoke to some tourists yesterday, they love Barbados!” Uh right ok.

By: Charlsea Ewing from Texas, United States

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 03:44:52 +0000

Mark ~ Thanks for your comments. I know that tourism has become a big part of many economies and so it is something worth considering as the recession continues. The bottom line is all that matters in any business and what that bottom line will be is yet to be seen in Barbados and beyond. Thanks again!

By: mark from Hawaii, United States

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 23:18:37 +0000

I think you nailed it. There are and will be opportunities for tourism even in a recession. But just as with just about anything else in an ailing economy, people will look for value. And not necessarily cheap or “low-budget”. Value includes convenience and quality.

We are seeing a definite downturn in our economy here in Hawaii where we rely heavily on tourism. Hawaii is an extremely easy destination for tourist via air travel. But there is a definite trend. The “high end” luxury resorts seem to be more affected while the “value-conscious” travelers such as timeshare & vacation rental visitors are still coming. And they do spend less on fine dining and exclusive golf at resorts and more on lunch wagons and discount golf at the local public course.

The net effect is less tourist dollars spent. Not great for the overall economy but the point is- dollars are being spent. If you are a tourism-related business in Hawaii that is positioned favorably, you might do OK in this economy. Not as good as you had planned but far better than those that had targeted the “wrong” market.

Where will tourism be positioned in Barbados? The challenge will be to balance needs with growth and expectations.