Tourism has a critical role to play in Barbados achieving projected economic growth of between seven and nine per cent in 2022, says Governor of the Central Bank Cleviston Haynes.Speaking at the Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA) Fourth Quarterly General Meeting on Wednesday, Haynes said while the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) took a significant hit over the past 21 months due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it is the bread and butter industry that will determine the return to economic growth.He said tourism planners must strategize the positioning of the industry to enable it to compete globally and enhance Barbados’ growth prospects. Additionally, Haynes said, they must explore how the island can ensure it is the destination of choice in the Caribbean, as tourist demands change.
