Welcome to the website of the

TOURISM DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION!

Over the past several decades, Barbados’ tourism industry has thrived not least of all because of our remarkable scenery, beautiful weather, awe-inspiring beaches, and vast array of activities for a range of visitor preferences. To make a visit to Barbados even more enticing, we add to this list of enticements, a well-established international reputation as a safe and friendly tourism destination.

We must be wary, however, of taking this incredible opportunity of tourism for granted and losing sight of exactly how dependent all Barbadians are on its continuing existence, especially as all of the major income-earning sectors in Barbados face serious challenges.

The Tourism Development Corporation (TDC), incorporated as a non-profit organization in 1987, functions as an excellent catalyst for tourism development in Barbados. By directing member contributions to care-fully selected tourism marketing and product enhancement projects, the TDC offers an excellent opportunity for public-spirited, commercial enterprises to contribute to the positive growth and sustainability of the island’s tourism industry.

In co-operation with the Barbados Hotel & Tourism Association, the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc., the Barbados Tourism Product Authority and the Ministry of Tourism, the TDC promptly responds to the industry’s needs, supporting results-oriented projects that will enhance Barbados’ tourism product and increase foreign exchange earnings. TDC’s Directors and working committee members are senior business executives who serve voluntarily in order to stimulate ideas and provide commercial insight for the development of the tourism industry.

The members of the TDC are considered to be its shareholders who provide the organization’s working capital and resources. While the TDC’s ‘shareholders’ do not receive the traditional dividend return on their investment, the TDC places a high priority on providing its mem-bers with a return through the growth of the tourism industry which is essential if we are to sustain our accustomed standard of living in Barbados. Financial contributions to the TDC are fully tax deductible for corporate income tax purposes.