In 2006 alone, more than half a million vacationers chose to experience Barbados Holidays. The number does not include the 560,000 cruise passengers who tour the island in the same year. The statistics continue to rise and grow as the Barbadian economy is fueled by foreign exchange. Today, Barbados ranks 51st among the richest countries in the Philippines in terms of Gross Domestic Product or GDP. More than 15% of its annual income comes from tourism alone. The entire industry employs more than 11,000 Bajans, which is around 5% of the total population. In the next two years, tourism in Barbados will grow and employ 11% of its population.
Annually, a quarter of the previous year’s visitors return for another Barbados vacation on the picturesque island. This is a strong testament to how tourists are drawn to and never tire of the nation. It has constant links with countries such as the United Kingdom, the United States and Canada. The British represent 40% of all tourists in the year, 25% from the United States and 10% from Canada. However, families and friends from other parts of the world have already discovered the magic of the island and tourism will grow by 25% each year.
There are no visa requirements to travel to Barbados. In most cases, visas are required for citizens of other countries who wish to start a business within the island nation. The issued tourist visa or single entry visa generally allows a person to stay in Barbados for 90 days or less. Visas and permits can be obtained from the Barbados Tourism Authority in Bridgetown, Barbados or its satellite offices located in the UK, USA, Canada, Germany, Italy, France and Scandinavia.
With these numbers, to say that Barbados is a beautiful island might be an understatement. Its magnificence has captivated and even invited celebrities from the world of sports and Hollywood such as Tiger Woods, Pele, David Beckham, Victoria Adams-Beckham, Simon Cowell, Hugh Grant, Reese Witherspoon, Rihanna, Chris Brown and more.
On the East Coast, surfers (windsurfers, skydivers, etc.) are sure to fall in love with the rough waves of the Atlantic Ocean. Head to the West Coast or Platinum Coast and be amazed by the stunning beaches recognized by my international lifestyle magazines as the best in the Caribbean and the world.
Vacations in Barbados would surely cast a love spell not only for couples staying on their honeymoon, but also for those who want to get married. A wedding vow before the enchanting landscape of skies kissing the horizon of the beach and the beach caressing the shimmering white and pink sand of the island is an image of a wedding scene like no other.
Getting to Barbados is very easy and convenient. Grantley Adams International Airport has direct flights to the UK, US and Canada almost every day. This airport is modern and has state-of-the-art technology for a tourist nation. The airport transports more than 2 million passengers a year.