Tourism is the engine of growth of the Barbados economy and continues to be the main source of foreign exchange and employment. In 2001, Barbados welcomed over 1 million visitors who spent in excess of US$700 million. We are committed to the sustainable development of tourism in Barbados and have formulated policies designed to make Barbados the destination of choice by 2010.

As Minister of Tourism, my vision for the Ministry of Tourism is an institution whose policies and programmes are guided by research and information - critical tools in the efficient planning and development of the tourism sector. Consequently, I welcome the opportunity to launch this Website and to invite you to peruse its pages. I hope that the information posted will be both useful and informative and we look forward to your comments, which will assist us in its further development.

While this Website is initially designed to offer timely and relevant information on tourism in Barbados, it is also intended that further development would allow the Ministry to conduct surveys and gather other important information online. Furthermore, we will position ourselves to provide e-commerce solutions when the legal, financial and institutional arrangements are put in place to accommodate this activity.

Historically, Barbados has been a welcome repose for many from the harsh winters of Europe and North America. Consequently, our tourism developed as a climate-based product utilising our attributes of sand, sea and sun. Today, we offer a more diversified product combining our marine resources with our natural and heritage attractions, sports facilities and festivals.

Tourism will continue to offer an attractive and practical mix of products which will ensure that Barbadians at all levels are in a position to benefit from the tourism industry while enhancing our economic, social, cultural and physical environments.

For those who have never visited Barbados, I trust that your visit to this web-site will encourage you to make the journey of a lifetime to a destination that is "Just Beyond Your Imagination".