From Caribbean360

British Airways said it would increase from 10 to 12 the number of weekly flights to Barbados as of November 30 this year to February 29, 2015.

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, 2014, CMC – Barbados, which last year registered a minus 5.5 per cent decline in tourist arrivals is hoping to reverse the situation and has announced an increase in flights by British Airways to the island on a weekly basis.

British Airways said it would increase from 10 to 12 the number of weekly flights to Barbados as of November 30 this year to February 29, 2015.

“These extra flights mean families and holiday-makers will have even more choice where to enjoy the winter sunshine,” said Colm Lacy, British Airways’ Gatwick commercial director.

“This builds on the extra flights we introduced for our summer 2014 season, thanks to adding an extra Boeing 777 to our long-haul Gatwick fleet making our flying schedule to top leisure destinations even better,” he added.

Tourism officials here say the increased flights could result in approximately 600 additional passengers arriving here on a weekly basis.

“The increase reflects the island’s strong forward bookings, and a marked confidence in the destination to fill extra seats with visitors from the United Kingdom.”

The Vice President Sales & Marketing with the Barbados Tourism Authority (BTA), Petra Roach,, said “we are really pleased with the news that British Airways will be offering extra services over the next winter season.

“We will be working assiduously with our travel partners to ensure that we maximise on this additional capacity – 2014 promises to be a positive year and we appreciate the confidence that BA has instilled in one of their top long haul destinations,” she added.

Tourism Minister Richard Sealy was also pleased with the British Airways announcement.

‘For the past 60 years, Barbados has enjoyed an illustrious relationship with British Airways. As a key partner in promoting the island to the UK market, British Airways has been instrumental in continuing to boost the island’s tourism economy, and its reputation as the UK’s favourite Caribbean destination.

“The increase in services to Barbados marks British Airways’ continuing commitment to the island and will serve as a welcome addition to increase inbound travel from the UK market,” he added.

Figures released by the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) on Monday showed that Barbados was among eight Caribbean destinations where fewer tourists visited in 2013.

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