Q & A with Mrs. Nicole Alleynen, Chief Development Officer of Tourism for the Barbados Tourism Authority (BTA)

We have interview Mrs. Nicole Alleynen, Chief Development Officer of BTA, about the upcoming Sustainable Development Tourism Conference, (STC), to be held on the Island of Barbados, May 9-12, 2010.

With the changing global economic scenario, Barbados has been able to “hold their own” during a trying time for most Caribbean islands. Their tourism has remained relatively stable, with an average of one million yearly, 600,000 being cruise ship passengers.

This STC will bring regional and international experts together to discuss the present marketing challenges and geotourism, which encompasses greater appreciation of the uniqueness of a destination and conservation of its particular heritage, among other topics.

Barbados also will be highlighting it’s cultural, natural, architectural and biological (flora and fauna) dimensions to give tourists the “true picture” of this unique Island, said Mrs. Alleynen. With its higher standard of living this gives Barbados an edge but its future lies in being more effective in “better managing its industry.” The previous 3’s –Sun, Sea and Sand- will no longer ensure full hotel rooms and packed restaurants as it once did with “fatter wallet” times.

According to Mrs. Alleynen this four day conference will ultimately be about “defining ourselves” in a time of global change, climate wise and economically.