Barbados has recently been celebrated for its outstanding achievements in the tourism sector, clinching a significant victory at the Routes Americas Awards. The prestigious event, which took place in Bogota, Colombia, saw the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI) emerge as the winner in the destination category. This accolade is a testament to the island’s innovative route development and marketing support strategies, which have effectively bolstered its position as a leading destination in the Americas.

The Routes Americas Awards are a significant event in the aviation industry, celebrating the exceptional achievements in air service development. These awards recognize the vital partnerships between airlines, airports, and tourism authorities, which are crucial for enhancing global air connectivity. The categories for the awards include Airports, Tourism Authorities, and Airlines, each highlighting different aspects of route development and marketing efforts.

Airports are acknowledged for their excellence in route development marketing, with the awards being split into size categories to showcase the marketing support provided to airline partners. Tourism Authorities are celebrated for their impactful marketing activities that influence future network development plans. The Airlines category honors carriers that have significantly supported airports and destinations, contributing to economic growth in various regions.

The awards are voted for by airlines for the Airports and Tourism Authorities categories, while airports and destinations vote for the Airlines category. This voting process ensures that the awards are a reflection of the industry’s recognition of collaborative efforts. The winners are announced at the Routes Americas Networking Evening, which is a prestigious event attended by key figures from the airline network planning community.

The Routes Americas Awards not only highlight best practices within the route development community but also serve as an encouragement for continued excellence and innovation in the industry. As the aviation sector recovers from the impact of the pandemic, these awards have become even more significant, symbolizing the resilience

Minister of Tourism and International Transport, Ian Gooding-Edghill, expressed pride in the achievement, noting that it reaffirms Barbados’ status as a premier destination. He emphasized the confidence that airline partners have placed in the island, attributing the win to the strong partnerships and strategic initiatives that have been developed.

Over the past year, Barbados has demonstrated resilience and dedication to rebuilding its tourism sector, making the destination more accessible to travelers from key markets in the Americas. The BTMI’s focus on strengthening relationships with airlines and industry stakeholders has been instrumental in driving increased capacity, which in turn supports sustainable tourism growth.

Eusi Skeete, Director at BTMI Canadar (right), and Peter Mayers, Director of BTMI USA (left), both expressed their gratitude for the recognition. They highlighted the importance of the award in acknowledging the hard work and commitment to stimulating demand for Barbados through targeted marketing initiatives. This approach has not only strengthened the business case for increased frequency and capacity from existing routes but also facilitated the introduction of new gateways.

The Routes Americas Destination Award serves as a formal acknowledgment of Barbados’ efforts in network development and destination marketing. As BTMI continues to prioritize sustainable tourism growth and strategic partnerships, this notable win is a clear indicator of the organization’s commitment to excellence and its unwavering pursuit of enhancing the island’s appeal as a tourist destination.

The event is a cornerstone event for aviation professionals, took place from March 19th to 21st in Bogotá, Colombia. This annual gathering is a celebration of excellence in air service development, where industry leaders come together to honor the innovative efforts of airports, airlines, and tourism authorities. The awards are a testament to the strategic partnerships and collaborative initiatives that have significantly contributed to the growth and connectivity of the aviation sector.