Barbados is now more accessible than ever with the launch of the new direct route from London Heathrow to Barbados with Virgin Atlantic Airlines. The inaugural flight took place on December 12th offering travellers a twice-weekly direct service on Tuesdays and Sundays until April 2018. This new route encourages travellers to beat the winter blues and explore the Caribbean gem that is Barbados.

UK Director of the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI) Cheryl Carter “We are thrilled to have a new direct flight route from London Heathrow to accommodate the increase in tourist arrivals to the island. With a full annual calendar of diverse events and activities taking place on the island, it is our hope that this new route will also encourage new visitors to visit and experience first-hand, what Barbados has to offer. “

This news comes at perfect timing, as the holiday season commences with numerous exhilarating festivities taking place on the island. Visit Queen’s Park on December 25th for the quintessential Bajan Christmas tradition. Barbadians turn out in their Christmas best to enjoy the annual agriculture and crafts fair and live music by the Royal Barbados Police Force Band followed by a day of horse racing at the historic Garrison Savannah on December 26th.

2018, kicks off with a bang, the Sugar and Rum Season runs from January 15 to April 15 2018, which celebrates the King and Queen of Bajan heritage. In an array of interactive activities from chocolate pastry making classes to rum mixology lessons the festival aims to highlight the deep-links with the island’s past, whilst leaving you with a real taste for Barbados’ community’s warmth and generosity.

In its 82nd edition the Barbados Sailing Week, showcases three days of competitive coastal racing across the island followed by beach party celebrations and rum tastings on January 16 – 24. Discover Barbados’ diverse architecture, history, culture and lifestyles through Barbados National Trust (BNT) Open Houses Programme. A winter season tradition which gives access to some of the most prized private homes on the island. Explore grand old plantation houses rich in culture to newer, luxurious Bajan-style villas, complimented by stunning lush gardens, through January to March.

A popular sport on the Island, Barbados Polo Season from January 4th – May 19th, includes several first-class matches between visiting international and local teams taking place at Holder’s Hill or Apes Hill. It has helped Barbados establish a significant foothold on the international polo map.

Shai Weiss, Chief Commercial Officer at Virgin Atlantic commented; “The Caribbean has always been a core market for Virgin Atlantic and we’re excited to be offering more choice to our customers with the option of flying from Heathrow, Gatwick or Manchester direct to Barbados.”

This new service, brings the number of Virgin Atlantic flights from the UK to Barbados to 11 flights per week, from London Heathrow, London Gatwick and Manchester. Virgin Atlantic flies twice weekly from London Heathrow to Barbados and is offering return Economy fares from £649 per person including tax.

For more information on Barbados, please visit: www.visitbarbados.org

For more information on Virgin Atlantic, please visit: www.virginatlantic.com

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