The new call centre gives visitors a direct line for all tourism-related queries
As the travel and tourism industry continues to rebound in a meaningful way, Barbados has launched an innovative tool to put the human voice back in tourism, and stay connected to its visitors.
The Barbados Tourism Call Centre began as a pilot project in the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, giving visitors a direct line for assistance with travel protocols, test queries and other tourism-related matters. Now, the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI) has confirmed that it has evolved into one of the organization’s most valuable tools, as a comprehensive hub for all tourism queries.
Chairman of the Board of Directors of the BTMI, Roseanne Myers, explained the development at the recently concluded World Travel Market in London, “We recognize that travel in the COVID-19 era has become challenging, and as the leading tourism agency we have to do more to interact with our visitors to facilitate inbound and outbound travel. The Tourism Call Centre is open 24/7 and has now become part of the way we do business. Each time the phone rings, a human voice answers and seeks to respond to those matters raised or direct callers towards a solution.”
By dialling a toll-free number, visitors on island or in their home markets with access to a phone can speak with one of Barbados’ tourism operators, who can provide callers with the detailed information they need to enjoy a memorable holiday in Barbados. For those without access to a phone, the Barbados Tourism Call Centre can also be reached via the www.visitbarbados.org website, which now carries a webchat feature also facilitated by the tourism operators.
Since the pilot phase of the project commenced in January this year, Call Centre operators have handled more than 2,500 calls and 7,500 webchats from around the world, and currently average about 100 calls and 300 webchats a week.
“The simple act of being able to pick up the phone and get immediate answers brings comfort to travellers at a time when everything in the world feels so uncertain. We see this Call Centre as another tool in our hospitality arsenal that proves why, of all the destinations, Barbados remains known and loved for its warmth and inviting people,” Myers said.