Travel trade partners mentored by legendary cricketers Joel Garner & Ian Bradshaw
Dubai, 6th May 2024: Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc (BTMI) proudly organized a thrilling 10-over cricket match for GCC travel trade partners at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, yesterday. This event served as a precursor and one of many activations as part of Barbados Tourism’s participation in the Arabian Travel Market, which starts today.
Cricket is not just a sport in Barbados; it’s a pivotal element of Barbadian heritage and culture. Recognizing this deep connection, Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc arranged for the match to be mentored by two cricketing legends, Joel Garner, the highest-ranked One Day International bowler, and Ian Bradshaw, former Under-19s West Indies captain and member of the team that won the 2004 Championship Trophy.
Under the guidance of Garner and Bradshaw, the travel trade partners honed their cricketing skills and enjoyed an unforgettable experience on the field.
This event is especially significant as Barbados gears up to host the 2024 Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup later this year, spotlighting the island’s rich cricketing legacy and its capabilities as a world-class event host.
Beyond cricket, the travel trade partners were treated to an extraordinary day that combined sport, culture, and the distinctive Barbadian hospitality. Celebrity Barbadian chef Damian Leach and mixologist Alex Chandler delighted attendees with culinary delights and refreshing beverages, giving them a taste of Barbados’ rich culture and cuisine.
Expressing her delight to host the cricket event, Cheryl Carter, Chief Operations Officer, BTMI said, “Today’s match is a testament to the integral role of cricket in Barbados and its unifying power across nations. With Barbados hosting the World Cup this year, we are excited to showcase our country not only as a top tourist destination but also as a central hub for international cricket. This cricket match was not just about sport; it was about fostering relationships and sharing the spirit of Barbados with our valued travel partners,”.
“We are grateful to Joel Garner and Ian Bradshaw for their mentorship, and to Damian Leach and Alex Chandler for adding a flavourful touch to the event.” she added.
Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc remains committed to engaging with travel partners and promoting Barbados as a premier tourist destination. Events like the travel partner cricket match underscore the island’s unique offerings and its warm hospitality.
For more information about Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc and its initiatives, visit https://corporate.visitbarbados.org
About Barbados
The island of Barbados is a Caribbean gem rich in cultural, heritage, sporting, culinary and eco experiences. It is surrounded by idyllic white sand beaches and is the only coral island in the Caribbean. With over 400 restaurants and eateries, Barbados is the Culinary Capital of the Caribbean.
The island is also known as the birthplace of rum, commercially producing and bottling the finest blends since the 1700s. In fact, many can experience the island’s historic rums at the annual Barbados Food and Rum Festival. The island also hosts events like the annual Crop Over Festival, where A-lists celebrities like our very own Rihanna are often spotted, and the annual Run Barbados Marathon, the largest marathon in the Caribbean. As the motorsport island, it is home to the leading circuit-racing facility in the English-speaking Caribbean. Known as a sustainable destination, Barbados was named one of the world’s Top Nature Destinations in 2022 by the Traveler’s Choice Awards’.
And in 2021, the island won seven Travvy awards. Accommodations on the island are wide and varied, ranging from picturesque private villas to quaint boutique hotels, cozy Airbnbs, prestigious international chains and award-winning five-diamond resorts. Travelling to this paradise is a breeze as the Grantley Adams International Airport offers a variety non-stop and direct services from growing U.S, U.K., Canadian, Caribbean, European, and Latin American gateways. Arriving by ship is also easy as Barbados is a marquee port with calls from the world’s best cruise and luxury liners. So, it’s about time that you Visit Barbados and experience all that this 166-square-mile isle has to offer.
For more information on travel to Barbados, visit www.visitbarbados.org, follow on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/VisitBarbados , and via Twitter @Barbados.