In a bid to boost regional travel to Barbados and stimulate the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) market, the Barbados Government is in talks with Turks and Caicos carrier Inter-Caribbean Airways.
The move comes as the absence of LIAT, a former regional airline, has led to higher inter-regional travel costs.
Tourism and International Transport Minister, Ian Gooding-Edghill, revealed in Parliament that the government has taken the step of reducing the airport service charge from US$35 to US$20 for a six-month period. The reduction aims to make travel to Barbados more affordable for CARICOM travelers and thereby attract more visitors from the Caribbean region.
The minister emphasized the importance of catering to the price-sensitive CARICOM market and expressed confidence that the reduction in the airport service charge would encourage more regional travelers to choose Barbados as their destination.
To support the increased influx of travelers, the Barbados government is actively engaging with regional airlines, such as Air Antilles and Inter-Caribbean, to expand the number of weekly flights to the island. Minister Gooding-Edghill expressed satisfaction with the load factors from both airlines, indicating an upswing in arrivals from within the CARICOM region.
Inter-Caribbean Airlines has played a crucial role in the efforts to boost tourism in Barbados. CEO Lyndon Gardiner shared that the airline has been in a partnership with Barbados since 2020 and is committed to its continued growth and expansion. Currently, Inter-Caribbean operates over 100 flights per week to Barbados, with approximately 34 flights servicing the country daily. The airline maintains a fleet of five planes based on the island.
Moreover, Inter-Caribbean Airlines is looking to further expand its operations by entering new territories. It plans to explore winter flights to these new markets and is in the process of securing the necessary permits to commence servicing them.
In the meantime, the Barbados transport minister said that the temporary reduction in the airport service charge is scheduled to end on December 14, allowing travelers a window of opportunity to take advantage of the more affordable travel options to Barbados.
The collaborative efforts between Inter-Caribbean Airlines and the Barbadian government are expected to not only increase tourist arrivals but also enhance connectivity within the CARICOM region.
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