A PUBLICATION OF BRIDGETOWN CRUISE TERMINALS INC.

Bridgetown CruiseTerminals Inc. readily embraces the challenge of staying on the cutting edge of developments in the cruise tourism industry. Research indicates that many of Barbados' Caribbean neighbours and destinations further afield are targeting the cruise industry as a means of boosting their earnings from the tourism sector. Several countries, among them, Grenada, St. Vincent & The Grenadines, Curacao, St. Croix and Jamaica have already completed, have started or are currently developing new cruise ship terminals in an effort to attract increased business from the cruise lines.

In fact, with the promotion by the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association of the Bridgetown Cruise Terminal as an excellent example to follow, many countries have expressed interest in following suit. Notably, Bridgetown Cruise Terminal has received visits from representatives of a number of countries who have been advised to tap into the Barbados knowledge and experience as they seek to create their own facilities for cruise passengers. These include representatives from Jamaica, the Bahamas, St. Lucia, Trinidad & Tobago, St. Vincent & The Grenadines and Belize. This has resulted in considerably increased competition as a number of countries all vie for an increased slice of the cruise tourism pie.

Recognising this, Bridgetown CruiseTerminals Inc. has developed a four-pronged approach to assist in generating additional cruise tourism business to Barbados. The broad aims of the approach are to encourage the cruise lines to view Barbados as a must-see destination for their itineraries, educate the international travel agents and tour operators responsible for selling cruises on the facilities and attractions available in Barbados, encourage the passenger, at the point of sale, to enjoy the entire island and then to return to the island for longer visits.

According to Cheryl Gill-Eversley, General Manager of the facility, 'We have viewed the last four years of the company's existence with a great deal of pride in what has been achieved so far. Services have expanded and continue to expand to meet the needs of the customer. This has led to innovations in many areas including wedding co-ordination, first-response first aid and activities co-ordination services. As Barbados gears up for the 2 1 st Century, Bridgetown CruiseTerminals Inc. is optimistic that with the services we offer as well as the planned expansion of overall port facilities, the island will continue to hold its own in the cruise tourism market.