Page 45 - 366977 LP247663A Travel Matters 76pp A4 (September 2022)

WOMEN TRANSFORMING THE TOURISM INDUSTRY
Intimate Hotels of Barbados, a non-profit organisation, was established in 2000 to provide marketing and training services to locally owned small hotels and apartments on the island.
Since then the organisation has grown from less than twenty members to its current 41 member properties, with accommodation options ranging from four rooms up to a maximum of 79.
Led by three women among its four Executive Directors, it is interesting to note that 51 percent of the small indigenous hotel member properties are owned or managed by women. Executive Director, Davina Layne comments: “Having women owned and led businesses in an economy is critical. The diversity in the skills
of women, both technical and soft skills, cannot be understated. Women therefore need to contribute and be encouraged to be increasingly involved in leadership roles as they can add specific value.”
For clients who want to explore the island, the Intimate Hotels of Barbados offer a wide range of budget or affordable accommodation options, including All Seasons Resort in St. James; Best E Villas Barbados in St. James; Dover Beach Hotel in Christ Church and Infinity on the Beach at St. Lawrence Gap.
TIME FLIES WHEN YOU'RE HAVING RUM
BARBADOS FOOD & RUM FESTIVAL RETURNS
The Barbados Food & Rum Festival is returning this year, with a special focus on the future culinary talent on the island, under the theme ‘Feed the Future’.
Known as the Culinary Capital of the Caribbean and, of course, the birthplace of rum, both food and drink are celebrated each year by the islanders.
This year’s Festival will take place 27th - 30th October 27th 2022, with part of the proceeds of the Festival going directly to funding two students’ culinary degrees at the Jean and Norma Holder Hospitality Institute
and Hotel PomMarine in Barbados. Additionally, part of the proceeds will go towards funding one PomMarine student to study abroad at an international
culinary institution.
A total of 29 award-winning local chefs and mixologists – including for the first time the addition of a vegan chef – will all be headlining the signature 2022
Festival events. Other highlights include the Rum Route St. Lawrence Gap Street Party - a street party with access to all restaurants and bars, featuring
local entertainment, a street parade and in-house performances on Friday, 28th October.
Visitors can also enjoy a wide range of foodie events and activities throughout the month of October, including ‘Dine Around Restaurant Series’. With over 400 restaurants, select venues will offer daily specials to showcase Bajan cuisine.
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