6.3% drop in arrivals

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados - The Barbados tourism sector has taken a nosedive so far for the year, and an imminent cut in flights to the island from at least one major source market could result in a further blow.
For the nine-month period ending September 30, the sector recorded a decline of 6.3 per cent in long-stay arrivals when compared to the same period last year, according to a dismal industry performance report presented yesterday.
The fall-off was compounded by the closure of the all-inclusive Almond Beach Resort, reduced flights out of some markets, as well as a reduction in tourist spend which resulted in a decline in retail revenue of between 10 to 20 per cent over the period under review.