This winter, despite the cost of living crisis, record numbers of passengers are anticipated to fly from Manchester Airport to Barbados as travel demand recovers significantly after the pandemic.
In honour of Barbados Independence Day, which is observed on November 30 and marks the island achieving independence in 1966, Manchester Airport’s Terminal 2 decked its enormous media wall with pictures of Bajan beach and surf.
About one-third of tourists to Barbados come from the UK, and Aer Lingus, Virgin Atlantic, and Tui operate non-stop flights from Manchester to Bridgetown throughout the winter, more than any other UK airport. The overall number of seats available has increased by around 50 per cent from the last “Winter Sun” season before the pandemic, the winter of 2019–20.
The UK still had Covid-19 travel regulations in place as of March, so the increase in flight capacity has been rapid. Irish airline Aer Lingus chose Barbados as the initial destination for its first UK transatlantic base, which opened at Manchester Airport last winter, citing “strong demand from the North of England for flights to Barbados.”
So what motivates demand? According to Visit Barbados, the island has “something for every kind of traveller: the foodie, the explorer, the historian, and the adventurer.” Since pandemic restrictions have prevented many sunbathers from travelling abroad over the past two years, many are searching for something exceptional.
Known as the birthplace of rum, there are four distilleries on the island – each has a colourful history. Its cuisine strongly emphasises seafood, and the shorelines are studded with street food vendors grilling fresh fish, including the national dish of flying fish with coucou, a side dish composed of cornmeal and resembling polenta. Additionally, there is an Asian influence with curries and roti frequently featured on restaurant menus.
One of the best surviving specimens of British colonial architecture in the Caribbean, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is found in the historic centre of Barbados’ capital Bridgetown. The city features the third-oldest Parliament building in the world, still in operation and an 18th-century Garrison. One of George Washington’s previous homes is among the plantation homes accessible to the public as museums.
The island has a well-known musical culture. This includes Tuk Bands, who, according to Visit Barbados, “perform during holidays and island festivals like Crop Over, the Holetown Festival, at Christmas, and on New Year’s Day”.
The 2007 Cricket World Cup final was held at the Kensington Oval, which has been the home of West Indies cricket for more than 120 years and is located on the western outskirts of Bridgetown.
Of course, the island’s 70+ kilometres of white sandy coastline are its most well-known asset. Most tourists are attracted to the west coast’s quiet, clear water. Followers of Manchester Airport on social media recommend Carlisle Bay, a marine park outside Bridgetown, especially well-liked by scuba divers. Another highlight is the West Coast catamaran trips.
The island’s east shore faces the Atlantic, and because of the slightly rougher waters, surfing is very popular there. Despite being frequently seen as flat, climbers are drawn to Barbados’ mountainous east coast, and the limestone interior is home to several magnificent natural caves. The largest of them, Harrison’s Cave, is now an eco-adventure park and is 50 feet high at its widest point.
Of course, there are also those who own property here in Barbados and return every year to enjoy their investment.
If you’re interested in finding out more about real estate for sale in Barbados, contact the Residence Barbados team today, and we will work with you to find your ideal property. Telephone us on BIM +1 246 230 4982 | UK +44 0208 123 9273 | US/CAN + 1 239 444 8176 or via WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger.
Content Disclaimer
The information above about choosing a real estate agent in Barbados is provided only for information purposes. The amenities listed may or may not be available at any time. The contents of this blog post are not intended to amount to advice, and you should not rely on any of the contents of this post. Professional advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from taking any action as a result of the contents of this post. Residence Barbados disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents of this newsletter.
Source: Marketing Stockport
