Barbados celebrates 75th anniversary of Air Canada’s flights to Barbados

Barbados recently marked a significant milestone, celebrating 75 years of partnership with Air Canada, a relationship that began on Dec. 3, 1949. To commemorate this milestone, several celebratory events were held in Canada and Barbados.

Addressing an audience of Air Canada executives, tourism partners, and members of the diaspora, at Hotel X in downtown, Toronto, Minister of Tourism and International Transport, the Hon. G.P. Ian Gooding-Edghill observed: “We are celebrating a milestone that pre-dates Barbados’ 58-year-history as an independent nation, and its three-year-history as a Republic. This seven and a half decades of Air Canada flight service to Barbados, is a testament to the enduring bond between our two countries, a relationship built on trust, collaboration, and mutual respect.”

And Minister Gooding-Edghill added: “It also reflects the significance of air travel in fostering connectivity, cultural exchanges, and economic prosperity between Barbados and Canada.”

Barbados is Air Canada’s longest-serviced destination in the Caribbean, which has played a vital role in shaping the island’s tourism industry. Canada has consistently ranked among Barbados’ top tourism markets, with an increase in flights, including daily non-stop service from Toronto Pearson International Airport, and four weekly flights from Montreal, during the winter, which reflects the growing demand from Canadian visitors eager to explore Barbados.

From Jan.1 to Nov. 24, 2024, Barbados has welcomed 63,228 visitors from Canada. Travel records reflect that from the late 1960s to 2023, Barbados welcomed approximately 3.2 million visitors from Canada.

During the 75-year history, Air Canada’s service to Barbados’ only interruption was during COVID-19.

Minister Gooding-Edghill emphasized: “After the Pandemic, Air Canada was there, as the first airline to resume service to Barbados, demonstrating a deep and unwavering commitment to our shared recovery and resilience.”

The tourism minister returned to Barbados on Air Canada’s Dec. 3, 75th anniversary flight AC966, with a delegation, which included the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, Mrs. Francine Blackman, CEO of Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI), Ms. Andrea Franklin, and BTMI’s Director for Canada, Mr. Eusi Skeete.

Approximately 250 passengers bound for Bridgetown were treated to a Bajan breakfast and soca music before boarding. On arrival at Barbados’ Grantley Adams International Airport (GAIA) passengers and crew were welcomed, with much fanfare.

BTMI’s CEO, Andrea Franklin said: “We cannot thank Air Canada enough for their non-stop stellar service. For the last seven and half decades they have been connecting Canadian visitors with choice tropical vacations here in Barbados, and connecting Barbadians with their loved ones in the North.”

Franklin continued: “There are substantial multi-generational Barbadian communities in Ontario and Halifax. Air Canada and Air Canada Vacations, will certainly play a vital role in ensuring that returning nationals, and all Canadian visitors will continue to enjoy the ease of access to Barbados, especially during the upcoming We Gatherin’ 2025 festivities.”

The celebrations, which highlighted the strength of international collaboration and the dedication to promoting tourism between the two countries, culminated with a reception at the Hilton Barbados Resort.

Air Canada’s Manager of Airport Operations, Ms. Jacqueline Parris said: “Air Canada is honoured to have played a role in connecting Barbados and Barbadians to Canada and the world. In 2023, we carried an average of 85,000 passenger, travelling both ways, between Barbados and Canada. Moving forward Air Canada will continue to promote travel to Barbados and the region. Ms. Parris added, “We will collaborate with government and industry partners to deliver innovative travel experiences and advanced sustainable tourism initiatives.”

Guests including Canada’s High Commissioner to Barbados and High Commissioner designate of Canada to the Eastern Caribbean, H.E. Brenda Wills, enjoyed an evening of cultural performances, local delicacies, and heartfelt reflections on the shared journey between Barbados and Air Canada.

H.E. Wills highlighted the significance of the partnership and its role in bolstering Barbados’ reputation as a premier destination. “The legacy between Air Canada and Barbados pre-dates our close to six decades of bilateral relations. People from our two countries claim enumerable personal and professional connections. Bridgetown is a hub to the Eastern Caribbean, while Toronto and Montreal are hubs to North America and Europe and Asia.”

To sum up spirit of the 75th anniversary milestone, the Canadian High Commissioner cited the lyrics of Barbados youngest national hero, the Right Excellent Robyn Rihanna Fenty, “Like diamonds in the sky, you find light in the beautiful sea, and may the Canada-Barbados relationship continue to shine bright like a diamond.”