Barbados could welcome thousands of visitors from the United Kingdom (UK) this winter season with travel group TUI UK revealing plans for a major boost in flights to the island as well as the homeporting of two of its largest cruise ships.According to Minister of Tourism and International Transport Senator Lisa Cummins, the island will benefit from over 54 000 planned airline seats, a major increase over last year.She noted that this extended programme reconfirms TUI UK’s commitment to Barbados and underpins their confidence that the island is a key destination for UK holidaymakers.“We are pleased with the news that TUI UK will increase their Barbados programme for the 2022/23 winter season. From the additional flight capacity and extended schedule to the homeporting of two of their largest cruise ships, and new hotel partners, this sheer size of this expansion underpins TUI UK’s confidence in Barbados,” Minister Cummins said.TUI previously chartered seven flights per week to Barbados, but that has now increased to eight weekly flights to cater to growing demand.Six of these weekly charter flights will depart from Birmingham, London Gatwick, and Manchester airports, as well as two ‘Rover’ flights which will depart from various UK airports weekly. The extra flight boosts capacity above TUI UK’s previous full winter season, bringing total capacity to nearly 54 000 seats for winter 2022/23.
