MIAMI (July 6th, 2011) – The Barbados Tourism Authority (BTA) has endorsed the recent launch of the Barbados Hotel & Tourism Association’s OTA (Online Travel Agency), and has implemented the Regatta booking engine on Visitbarbados.org, the official government sponsored destination website for Barbados.  The Barbados Hotel & Tourism Association (BHTA) announced the launch of the OTA Software on May 31st and has seen an increasing number of bookings since.
 
“It just makes perfect sense,” said David Rice, President & CEO of the Barbados Tourism Authority.  “It is a huge added convenience to our visitors, the hotels and attractions love it since they retain more of the net earnings from bookings, and it helps the economy of Barbados.  It’s a win-win all around.”
 
“We are excited that the BTA is collaborating with us on this important project,” said Sue Springer, Executive Vice President of BHTA.  “The hotels are very enthusiastic, visitbarbados.org has a high amount of targeted traffic, and Regatta has been wonderful to work with.  It’s the perfect recipe for success.”
 
Since launching on May 31st, Regatta has released a new layout of the booking engine that includes their innovative Concierge tool which allows customers to find their perfect hotel by selecting their desired criteria.  In July, they will launch Activities allowing customers to search and book a variety of tours and attractions.
 
About the Barbados Tourism Authority (BTA)
The BTA’s mission is to provide leadership in the sustainable development of  Barbados’ tourism industry through the formulation of policy, the provision of timely and quality research; the development and maintenance of industry-wide standards and the facilitation of appropriate product development whilst ensuring maximum economic benefits to  Barbadians.
 
About the Barbados Hotel & Tourism Association (BHTA)
The Barbados Hotel & Tourism Association was established in 1952.  Their mission is “Bringing people, research knowledge and technology together to resolve challenges of business and to stage a world class experience and performance.” 
 
About Regatta Travel Solutions Inc.
Founded by Ashwin Kamlani, Regatta Travel Solutions provides specialized online booking technology and marketing tactics for DMOs (Destination Marketing Organizations).  DMOs that use Regatta on their sites can increase demand for their destination, lower the cost paid by suppliers per booking, and increase membership for their organizations. Visit www.hotelinternethelp.com.