WTM Latin America 2023 Hails the Gem of the Caribbean

Barbados’ new Minister of Tourism and International Transport, Ian Gooding-Edghill, together with the island nation’s Ambassador to Brazil, Tonika Sealy-Thompson, made a special presentation Monday March 3 as part of the side events within the framework of WTM Latin America 2023 currently underway in the city of Sao Paulo.

Held at the Hotel Fasano under the luring title of “The Gem of the Caribbean Is Coming to Brazil”, the evening function featured the presentation of cocktails crafted by celebrated Barbadian mixologists.

The special night, in which entertainment and local culinary delights were the name of the game, also served as an opportunity to learn about the culture and heritage related to Barbadian cuisine and rum, as well as details about the upcoming Food & Rum Festival.

“Latin America is a significant consumer market for Barbados, more specially Brazil. We share considerable cultural ties, not only because of our proximity, but also because many of the cores of our tourism industry include sports, beaches, heritage and, of course, luxury”, Mr. Gooding-Edghill said.

He explained that both countries have longstanding historic ties harking back to over 500 years and recalled that diplomatic relations between Brazil and Barbados were established in 1971.

As part of the efforts to build on Barbados’ ties with Latin America, Mr. Gooding-Edghill went on to say that his administration will soon open a tourism office in Panama and a local representation in the embassy in Brasilia.

Minister Gooding-Edghill also emphasized that Barbados has been dubbed the culinary capital of the Caribbean, a country where hundreds of restaurants, beach bars and food trucks give visitors the chance to enjoy unique flavors in idyllic settings, while mixing with locals who are always happy to show off their island.

He also provided the audience with detailed information about this year’s edition of the Barbados Food & Rum Festival, slated for October 19-22, an annual event meant to mark the rum tradition. 

The festival attracts thousands of Rum and gastronomy lovers who reach the place to enjoy the unique taste of the local cuisine and the Caribbean joy atmosphere.