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| NEWS |
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 Cheers to World Tourism Day!
#TeamBTMI is proud to salute local stakeholders this September, as we join tourism destinations globally to celebrate World Tourism Day on September 27th, under the theme “Tourism and Jobs: A Better Future for All”.This international celebration spearheaded by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation aims to foster awareness among communities on the importance of tourism and its value from social, cultural, political and economic perspectives. With Barbados receiving record numbers of tourist arrivals between January and July this year, we certainly have numerous reasons to celebrate. As customary, the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI) will be joining tourism partners to host an exciting week of activities culminating on World Tourism Day. Barbados’ Tourism Week is culture, it is heritage, it is a celebration of our people and of our communities, and it is a week where we tip our hats and recognise the unsung heroes of the dynamic tourism industry and the related maritime industry. Stay tuned to the BTMI’s social media pages for more details on Tourism Week 2019. |
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 Barbados Makes Waves in Canada
Fresh on the heels of a vibrant Crop Over Festival, the BTMI took the energy to Toronto’s Harbourfront Centre for another edition of the Barbados on the Water Festival. From August 16-18, attendees reveled in the best tastes, sights and sounds of Barbados, including live entertainment, rum and culinary delights, wellness experiences, family-friendly arts and crafts, a fashion show and an exciting comedy show. Downtown Toronto was transformed into a hub of true Barbadian spirit, featuring the talent and wonders of the island. Speaking at the event, CEO of the BTMI William Griffith explained that “Toronto is a blend of cultures and communities, and we are happy to showcase Barbados’ culture over this three-day festival. Our media attendees will have a deeper appreciation for Barbados and be able to share our story, thanks to this event.” |
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 Food and Rum Festival Launched
Surrounded by the ribbons of a history intrinsically linked to the story of rum, the BTMI recently launched the 10th edition of the Barbados Food and Rum Festival at St. Ann’s Fort, Barbados Defence Force. This annual festival has become a staple on the national calendar and will be held this year from October 24 to 27. Several new additions to the festival were announced at the launch including an extended pop up series, a Food Truck Mash Up at Pelican Centre on Saturday October 26th and an Evening of Elegance at Ilaro Court to climax the festival on Sunday, October 27.
This year’s Food and Rum Festival will also feature an amateur cake competition entitled “Whipped!” where average Barbadians have the opportunity to display their culinary talents by producing the best 10th Anniversary Barbados Food and Rum cake.
The Barbados Food and Rum Festival will be a cultural and community experience, where patrons can immerse themselves in the true essence of Barbados. For more information please visit the Barbados Food and Rum Festival Website www.visitbarbados.org/food-and-rum-festival |
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 Barbados Mindful Living Festival for November
The BTMI gives a nod to the Year of Wellness and Soft Adventure with the upcoming Barbados Mindful Living Festival. This health and wellness event, slated for November 22-24 at the serene Sweetfield Manor, is expected to attract health and wellness enthusiasts seeking a unique experience in Barbados. With meditation sessions, yoga, tai chi, pilates, massage sessions and seminars on clean eating, this is one festival not to be missed. Stay tuned to the BTMI’s social media for further details. |
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 Taking Barbados on the Road
TeamBTMI will be ramping up its sales efforts this month with a series of roadshows across Europe and the U.K. The German Roadshow will cover the cities of Munich, Frankfurt, Cologne and Berlin; while the U.K. office will be heading to Scotland and Ireland to target the cities of Edinburgh, Glasgow and Dublin. These initiatives give us face to face time with travel agents and media in the visiting cities, and are strategically timed. September is a peak booking period in the U.K. and the team will be focusing on last minute 2019 business as well as summer 2020 bookings. In Europe, all focus will be on the new Lufthansa direct service to Barbados commencing October 28. |
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| FEATURE |
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| Female Master Blender Makes Her Mark |
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As the island heats up with Food and Rum activities, we’re shining the spotlight on Barbados’ first female Master Blender, Trudiann Branker. Trudiann, who has over a decade of experience, has created history by taking over as the Master Blender at Mount Gay- the rum that invented rum. Considered the “guardians” of a rich heritage, the master blenders are tasked with overseeing hundreds of casks of ageing rums, and selecting casks to create new Mount Gay blends.
“I’m passionate about what I do and where I’m from, so to be Mount Gay’s Master Blender is truly an honour for me, as I get to continue a tradition dear to so many Barbadian’s hearts. Like most in this role, I’ve studied chemistry extensively and worked tirelessly to hone my nosing, tasting and blending skills always balancing creativity with science. To be promoted into this role is a humbling experience, and one I’ve dreamt of for a long time,” Trudiann said.
According to Trudiann, over the last few years people are becoming increasingly interested in the provenance of each product and to understand the history of something that they love. This is therefore a prime opportunity to tell the story of rum distillation for connoisseurs that are passionate about rum, and for Trudiann to share her own passion.
“In my younger years, my driving force was my passion to excel at everything I undertook. As I got older, it’s evolved into being an exemplary role model, both for my daughters and in my career. Being able to work in a role that is predominantly male and show my daughters that they can be anything they want is extremely important to me. At the same time, honouring my Barbadian heritage by creating rum for the world’s oldest continuously running rum distillery is quite an honour and continues to drive me to innovate and perpetuate the rum making tradition.”
#TeamBTMI is proud to have witnessed this story unfold, and look forward to more masterful blends as we showcase all that the birthplace of rum has to offer. |
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| GALLERY |
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| Please view our gallery of the launch of the 10th Anniversary of the Barbados Food and Rum Festival held recently at St. Ann’s Fort, Barbados Defence Force, St. Michael. |
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Barbados is the best cruise destination! 
