Eighteen months ago, Barbados was eagerly anticipating the hosting of a successful in-person Fifteenth Session of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD 15). The dramatic collapse of global travel as a direct consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic has been a major blow to our economy which is led by our tourism sector. Early action by our Government has however prevented any major spread of the virus within Barbados. We have put strict protocols in place which will provide a safe and healthy environment, for both residents and visitors alike, when borders reopen fully and travel resumes.

Our hotels and attractions took the pause in business to upgrade their physical infrastructure, train and re-train staff and improve marketing strategies. Cruise ship companies are eyeing the Caribbean in general, and Barbados in particular, as one of the first regions to welcome back thousands of cruise passengers.

Now that UNCTAD 15 will be hosted on a virtual platform, delegates will have the opportunity to view iconic images of Barbados as they navigate the online meeting space. These images are sure to pique their interest in wanting to learn more of our country which is a year-round tourist destination. But the proof of the pudding is in the eating! There is so much to see and do in Barbados that we are convinced that delegates from all over the world will want to schedule a visit, as soon as they can, to our little island which is big on romance, music, entertainment, history, wellness, heritage, cuisine (we are known as the Culinary Capital of the Caribbean!) and so much more.

So we invite you to bring your family, friends and colleagues to sample the traditional hospitality and friendliness of the ‘Bajan’ people for which we are renowned for more than 300 years.

As the Minister with responsibility for the portfolio of Tourism and International Transport, I look forward with particular pleasure to welcoming all of you to our shores in the not too distant future so you can experience, in person, our incomparable hospitality