ITTN’s Julia Labedz has returned from the Barbados FAM trip hosted by Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI), Aer Lingus, and Travel Trade Representation (TTR), and while the island left a lasting impression, one of the most important takeaways was just how easy it now is to get there from Ireland.
Flying long-haul can often feel like a logistical challenge, especially when connections are involved. However, Aer Lingus’ service from Dublin to Barbados via Manchester has removed those traditional travel barriers. The entire journey, outbound and return, was exceptionally smooth, and gave agents first-hand experience of a connection that is not only efficient, but genuinely pleasant.
The group departed Dublin Airport on Aer Lingus flight EI202 to Manchester, where they transferred directly onto flight EI31, bound for Grantley Adams International Airport in Barbados. Previously, this route would have required passengers to exit the terminal, clear immigration, collect their baggage, and re-check in before continuing. Now, that entire process has been eliminated.
Travellers remain airside throughout, following a well-marked flight transfer corridor in Manchester to a quick border control checkpoint. There is no need to reclaim luggage, which is automatically checked through to the final destination, and even duty-free liquids purchased in Manchester & Barbados are accommodated, security personnel simply reseal them in compliant bags during the transfer process.
The return journey was just as easy as the outbound experience. Upon landing in Manchester from Barbados, agents followed the same secure transit path and continued on to Dublin without needing to handle their bags. It was, by all accounts, one of the smoothest long-haul return journeys the group had experienced.
Onboard flight EI31 and the return EI30, Aer Lingus delivered a high standard of comfort and service. The group enjoyed plenty of legroom, hot meals, complimentary drinks, in-flight entertainment, and welcoming cabin crew who made the transatlantic journey very comfortable. The flights bookended the trip with reliability, which is important reassurance for any agents looking to confidently sell the destination.
Throughout the week, agents participated in a full programme of site inspections, experiences like the Bajan bus, enjoyed a catamaran cruise and even danced the night away at a beach party. They stayed at the Wyndham Grand Barbados, Sam Lord’s Castle Resort & Spa and the O2 Beach Club & Spa, but what stood out just as clearly as the destination itself was the accessibility – with Aer Lingus’ improved connection, Barbados now feels closer than ever.
ITTN would like to sincerely thank Aer Lingus, Visit Barbados and TTR for organising an exceptional FAM trip and for delivering a travel experience that sets a new benchmark for seamless, long-haul connectivity from Ireland.
Interested to see what the agents got up to during the FAM? Check out our collection of articles from the trip:
