Barbados Announces The Launch Of New Tourism Divisions: The Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI) & The Barbados Tourism Product Authority (BTPA)

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Sep 09, 2014, 02:40 ET

NEW YORK, Sept. 9, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The island of Barbados is pleased to announce its newest division of tourism affairs, the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI) and the Barbados Tourism Product Authority (BTPA). Built as a reform to the original Barbados Tourism Authority (BTA), the new divisions will work together to transform the current tourism landscape creating a bold new organization focused on keeping the island top of mind in the dynamic and and ever-changing tourism industry.

Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI) (PRNewsFoto/Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc.) (PRNewsFoto/Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc.)

Ensuring dedication and focus is delivered to each individual market, Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI) will assume responsibility for all destination marketing while the Barbados Tourism Product (BTPA) will focus solely on the development and improvement of the island's current and future tourism offerings. Both companies will continue to be housed on the premises of the former BTA and will work towards the ultimate goal of driving island tourism and increasing destination awareness.

Petra Roach, Chief Executive Officer of the BTMI said, "The global travel industry is changing rapidly and it's absolutely critical for Barbados that we respond to those changes equally swiftly, in order to protect and build our visitor economy for the future. Consumers and travel partners are adopting new technologies, researching, booking and communicating their travel experiences very differently than in the past decade. Our two new focused organizations, the BTMI and BTPA, will ensure we develop and communicate the best possible products for our island and our visitors for the future. We very much look forward to working with all our partners in this new era."

With the recent announcement of nonstop flights from New York and Atlanta via Delta Air Lines kicking off this winter to the Caribbean island, Barbados continues to wow guests with ultimate sun, sand and sea experiences including an exciting line-up of island events and attractions such as the Barbados International PRO Surf Fest 2014 (November 13-16), the 5^th annual Barbados Food & Wine and Rum Festival (November 20-23) and the Classical Pops Festival (December 11-14). The island's Barbados Island Inclusive offer provides guests with the ultimate in incentive travel offering "free spending money" for use at participating attractions and restaurants while on-island.

For more information on travel to Barbados, visit www.visitbarbados.org.

About Barbados

The island of Barbados offers the most authentic Caribbean experience with its exceptionally rich culture and history rooted in remarkable landscapes. Rated as one of the world's sexiest beaches in 2008 by Concierge.com; Barbados' Crane Beach in St. Philip stands as a premier destination for travelers. Barbados is also the first Zagat-rated Caribbean island and is known as the culinary capital of the Caribbean. Barbados has hosted several world class events including: The annual Barbados Food & Wine and Rum Festival; the 2006 PGA World Golf Championships-Barbados World Cup, the ICC Cricket World Cup Finals in 2007, the Sentebale Charity Polo match with Prince Harry of Wales in 2010, and the ICC Twenty20 Cricket Finals for 2010, and the Rihanna LOUD concert in 2012. Accommodations range from picturesque plantation houses and villas, to quaint bed and breakfasts and award-winning, five-star resorts. Grantley Adams International Airport offers even more non-stop and direct service from a growing number of U.S., making Barbados the true gateway to the Eastern Caribbean. Barbados was voted eighth in the World by Trip Advisor's "2008 Travelers' Choice Destination Awards" in its Top 100 Destinations category. For more information on travel to Barbados, visit www.visitbarbados.org, follow on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/VisitBarbados, via Twitter @Barbados.