Barbados' winter cruise season for 2023-2024 has exceeded expectations, achieving notable milestones and surpassing the statistics from the previous year (2022-2023).
Ian Gooding-Edghill (Minister of Tourism and International Transport) disclosed that the season's projected 18% year-on-year increase was realized. The season witnessed 392 cruise calls and an estimated 715,527 passengers, surpassing the prior year's figures of 358 calls and 608,269 passengers.
Mid-season data for October to December 2023 demonstrated positive results, with Barbados welcoming 131 calls, including 66 as homeports, showcasing an impressive 96% occupancy rate. This translated into a warm reception for 227,548 cruise passengers.
The Minister acknowledged the industry's resilience post-COVID and credited entities like the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc., the Barbados Port Inc., and others for their dedicated efforts.
He further conveyed the tourism ministry's commitment to exploring opportunities and innovative approaches to enhance the tourism experience for both partners and visitors.