iQ: Does the Government of Barbados have any plans to
increase its involvement in the tourism sector (more loan
guarantees, infrastructure, subsidies)?
Minister Sinckler: The Government of Barbados is currently
finalising its Tourism Master Plan 2013-2022, which will
outline the strategy of public sector involvement in the
tourism sector. This plan is expected to be completed in
December 2013. In the interim, the Minister of Tourism
announced in July of 2013, a ten-point tourism and hospitality
plan as follows:
1. Provide a BBD10.0 million window for the retrofitting
of air-conditioning and lighting systems in the Tourism
and Hospitality Sector. This will be the first phase of
the BBD150.0 million Energy Efficiency and Hotel
Refurbishing Fund. Further aspects of the fund will be
rolled out over the upcoming months.
2. The existing 50% Land Tax rebate for investment in
Renewable Energy will be extended to Tourism and
Hospitality entities that implement credible energy
efficiency programs. These programs will be assessed
by the Division of Energy. This rebate will be provided
6. Resources will be provided for the strengthening of
‘Events-based Tourism.”
7. The Ministry of Tourism will partner with Tourism and
Hospitality-related entities to grant a credit voucher up
to a specified amount in Barbados equipment to the APD
paid by British tourists who book for at least two weeks
with participating hotels. Further details on this initiative
will be released shortly.
8. The Ministry of Tourism will partner with a number of
private operators and launch a programme where villa
type accommodation will be available for marketing as
part of the room stock available in Barbados.
9. T he Ministry of Tourism will partner with the Ministry
of Culture, community groups, Tourism and Hospitality
related entities and other cultural practitioners to rebrand
the Hasting to St Lawrence Gap Strip as a weekend 24
hours indigenous arts and crafts and cultural performers’
market.
10.The Government of Barbados is engaging a variety of
multilateral and private partners for the construction of
new hotel plant in Barbados and the re-building and reopening of a number of derelict properties.
The Government of Barbados is currently finalising its Tourism Master Plan
2013-2022, which will outline the strategy of public sector involvement in
the tourism sector.
under the Renewable Energy Bill which will soon be laid
in the House of Assembly.
3. For the next 12 months Tourism and Hospitality-related
entities will be entitled to an electricity rebate of 5% of
their electricity co