Barbados is the leading island destination in the Southern Caribbean for British, North American and European tourists. It is known for its well-trained, industrious people, its stable government, a wide range of accommodations and attractions and its fine coral-sand beaches.

Barbados is a mature Caribbean tourism destination. Large-scale tourism development dates back to the late 50s and early 60s but colonial ties to Britain had made Barbados a popular destination for wealthy British nationals for many years before World War 11.

The tourism product in Barbados is diverse and includes varied accommodation - hotel rooms, villas and guest houses -, scores of restaurants and other food and beverage facilities, nature attractions including caves and marine parks, historic sites, festivals, golf courses and a range of other activities.

By the end of 2003, the island had hosted over 1 million tourists, of whom 531,211 were stay-over visitors and 559,000 were cruise ship visitors.

Accommodation for tourists is targeted to increase from approximately 7,250 rooms in 2003 to approximately 9,500 rooms by 2010. Over 70% of the country's foreign exchange is earned by the tourism sector. It was anticipated that by the end of 2003 Tourism's contribution to real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) would have been in the region of 11.8%. Over 12,000 people are directly employed by tourism currently (8.5% of total employment). This number is expected to increase to approximately 10.6% of total jobs by 2012.

Over 70% of the country's foreign exchange is earned by the tourism sector. It was anticipated that by the end of 2003 Tourism's contribution to real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) would have been in the region of 11.8%.

 

Sporting & Recreational Facilities in Barbados

There are a handful of international sporting events, including the Barbados Windsurfing World Cup, held at Silver Sands in January, and the Caribbean Surfing Championship, held in early November at Bathsheba. An abundance of Barbados water sports makes the island an ideal location for fun and excitement on the sea. Parasailing is available off the beaches of Christ Church and St. James through The Falcon Parasail Company, while surfing and windsurfing is best off of the eastern coastline to Barbados' southern tip. If watching, rather than participating, in water sports is more your speed, check out the Independence Classic Surfing Championship at Bathsheba Soup Bowl, an international competition held every November.

 

Cricket

Cricket is the national sport of Barbados and the West Indies. Thousands of Bajans, other West Indians and visitors flock to world-class matches at Kensington Oval, Barbados to watch batsmen of the caliber of Brian Lara, Chris Gayle and Shivnarine Chanderpaul as well as fast bowlers such as Tino Best and Pedro Collins. Furthermore, a great boost to the sport and to the island’s profile will be the fact that Barbados is to host the final of the 2007 Cricket World Cup at the Kensington Oval.

 

Golf

Barbados has also been chosen to host the 2006 World Golf Championships World Cup. The four-day will be played at the Sandy Lane Resort. The tournament runs from Dec. 7 - 10 2006. Sunny weather all year round makes Barbados an ideal location for golfing and the perfect vacation spot for golfers. These glorious weather conditions are complemented by excellent golf courses and facilities and several hotels offer special golf packages.

Several golf tournaments are hosted throughout the year, attracting participants from a number of countries including Europe and North America. In addition most golf clubs offer professional instruction. In October 2004, perhaps the world's most famous golfer, Tiger Woods, chose Barbados as the venue for his wedding to Elin Nordegren. The ceremony took place at Sandy Lane Golf Course.

The six main golf courses on the island are Barbados Golf Club, Almond Beach Village, Sandy Lane Golf Club, Rockley Golf Club, Royal Westmoreland Golf & Country Club and Belair Golf Club.