Dine with a Bajan brings the Barbados gastronomic experience to the Canopy by Hilton São Paulo Jardins

As part of the activities carried out during WTM Latin America, Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. promoted a parallel event in São Paulo focused on showcasing the culture and gastronomy of the Caribbean destination. The "Dine with a Bajan" initiative took place at the Canopy by Hilton São Paulo Jardins hotel on the evening of April 15th, bringing together guests from the tourism industry and the press.

The 13th edition of WTM Latin America takes place from April 14th to 17th at Expo Center Norte, in São Paulo, the capital of São Paulo state.

The event aimed to provide an immersive experience in local cuisine, with a menu inspired by Barbadian tradition and contemporary reinterpretations created by chef Kamilia Callender. The experience was part of the destination's positioning strategy, which seeks to increase recognition of gastronomy as one of its main tourist assets.

The event was hosted by Russell Banfield, Senior Business Development Officer for Latin America at Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc., who led the institutional presentation and highlighted the relevance of the Brazilian market. “WTM Latin America provides us with a valuable opportunity to connect with partners, strengthen relationships, and share the evolution of the destination,” he stated. According to him, the region is among the fastest-growing markets for Barbados, with expanding air connectivity, including flights operated by Copa Airlines.

During the presentation, Corey Garrett, director for Latin America at Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc., reinforced the role of cultural experience in the destination's strategy. “The concept of 'Dine with a Bajan' is to take the visitor into the home of a Barbadian, creating a more personal and authentic experience,” he said. He also highlighted initiatives such as the Barbados Welcome Stamp program, aimed at remote workers, and the importance of cruise tourism to the local economy.

The program also included the participation of Ryan Forde, CEO of the Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association, who presented updates on investments in the hotel sector. According to him, the destination is undergoing a cycle of expansion and renewal, with the opening of new establishments and the modernization of existing properties. "We are consistently investing in the tourism product and in the training of people, as well as repurposing existing assets to create new experiences," he stated.

The closing remarks were given by Cheryl Carter, Chief Operations Officer of Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc., who highlighted the role of gastronomy as a central element of the destination's identity. "Barbados is recognized as the culinary capital of the Caribbean, and we want that message to reach the Brazilian market," she said. The executive also emphasized the diversity of the tourism offerings, which go beyond hotels and include cultural experiences, festivals, and local activities.

Holding the event alongside WTM Latin America reinforces the strategy of international destinations to expand their presence in the Brazilian market through targeted actions, combining institutional promotion with immersive experiences for the trade and the media.

Reporting and photo: Mary de Aquino.