BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC—Barbados Tourism Advertising Inc. (BTMI) is reporting a 31 p.c year-on-year improve in arrivals from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) area in 2024 because the island continues to draw vacationers looking for genuine, high-end Caribbean escapes.
The BTMI mentioned the United Arab Emirates led the expansion in customer numbers, adopted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with will increase of 30 p.c and 36 p.c, respectively. Oman additionally emerged as a standout market, registering a powerful 104 p.c improve in vacationers to Barbados in comparison with the earlier yr.
“This regional upswing displays a rising urge for food for long-haul, luxurious leisure journey amongst GCC residents, notably to culturally wealthy locations like Barbados. The island’s attraction lies in its pristine seashores, vibrant culinary scene, and lots of family-friendly and wellness-focused experiences. The presence of luxurious household all-inclusive resorts additionally serves as a value-add for household vacationers from the area,” the BTMI mentioned in an announcement.
BTMI chief govt officer Andrea Franklin mentioned, “We’re extremely proud to see Barbados placing a chord with discerning vacationers from the GCC who search authenticity, luxurious, and enriching experiences.
“This upward momentum fuels our dedication to deepening strategic investments within the area and amplifying Barbados’ distinctive attraction on the worldwide stage,” she mentioned, including that the appointment of a brand new director of Rising Markets, coupled with the spectacular progress in arrivals from the GCC, “highlights our dedication to increasing Barbados’ worldwide footprint and welcoming new audiences to our island.”
BTMI director of Rising Markets, Kyle C. Gittens, mentioned vacationers from this area search distinctive, significant experiences. Barbados delivers on that promise—from immersive island tradition to unmatched hospitality.
“We’re inspired by the expansion and are dedicated to additional strengthening our presence available in the market.”
BTMI mentioned that its advertising push within the area has included focused media campaigns, journey commerce partnerships, and vacation spot promotions tailor-made to the preferences of GCC vacationers.
“A contributing issue to this momentum has been BTMI’s collaboration with dnata Illustration Providers, which is supporting gross sales, advertising, and PR efforts throughout the area,” it added.
