– Advertisement –
Barbados has launched a new billboard campaign featuring beach cricket and titled “Barbados is Calling” in Colón, Panama,
The project was unveiled during a cultural celebration organized by Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI) and the Embassy of Barbados in Panama. It is part of BTMI’s “We Gatherin’” initiative, which highlights the Barbadian diaspora worldwide.
Colón was chosen as the location because it is both a resort city and a major cruise hub on Panama’s Caribbean coast, attracting large numbers of international visitors who are already thinking about travel.
It is also home to many descendants of Barbadians who came to Panama in the early 20th century to work on the Panama Canal. For BTMI, Colón offered the perfect balance of symbolic heritage and strategic visibility.
Like may cities in South America and the Caribbean the city of Colón is named after the Spanish name for Christopher Columbus That’s why you’ll find many places called “Colón” across Latin America and the Caribbean
In Panama’s case, the city of Colón was founded in 1850 as the Atlantic terminus of the Panama Railroad. It grew quickly as a port and later became an important base during the construction of the Panama Canal.
The billboard includes a QR code offering people of Barbadian heritage the chance to win a trip for two to the island.
The launch event featured speeches from Corey Garrett, BTMI’s Director for Latin America, and Her Excellency Amanda Martinez, Barbados’ new ambassador to Panama. The Haynesville Youth Group from Barbados gave a lively cultural performance.
Garrett said the campaign was designed to celebrate Barbadian culture in Panama while inviting people to reconnect with their roots and visit the island. Ambassador Martinez noted that Panama and Barbados share deep historical ties, and cultural exchanges like this strengthen bonds for the future.
The campaign comes as BTMI expands in Panama. In 2023 it opened its first regional office there, and with Copa Airlines now offering more flights, travellers from across Latin America can more easily reach Barbados.
For more details, visit www.visitbarbados.org or follow @VisitBarbados on social media.
Source: Barbados GIS.
– Advertisement –