BRIDGETOWN-Barbados is hoping to lure visitors from China as it seeks to overcome some of the challenges facing the tourism industry. "I hope in the not too distant future that we will see China as a source market, further diversifying our opportunities and again strengthening the capacity of the sector to withstand what is happening internationally," said Tourism Minister Richard Sealy.
Sealy acknowledged that there had been a decline in visitor arrivals out of some source markets and the sector was also experiencing a decline in visitor spending. "We have been going through a challenging period. And in the face of those challenges, we have to be very creative in terms of our approach to the particular situations.
"Tourism is critical to the overall economic well-being of this country. We at the ministry, aware of the need to do things differently by providing the strategic leadership, are also looking at a number of initiatives that will strengthen this industry going forward," said Sealy.
Speaking at a Church service marking the official start of the 2012 Tourism Week, Sealy said that the industry continues to face challenges, but gave the assurance that creative initiatives were being implemented to ensure the sustainability of the sector.
Caribbean360