IT'S a tropical paradise that boasts beautiful beaches, wonderful weather and fabulous food.
Representatives from the West Indian tourist industry gathered at the Ageas Bowl in West End to extol the virtues of Barbados, dubbed the ultimate island experience.
Their message to Southampton families seeking fun in the sun was: "Barbados is open for business."
The home of Hampshire cricket was the venue for the Southampton edition of the Bajan Safari Roadshow, which was attended by staff from some of the best hotels on the island.
It was an appropriate place to showcase the home of former West Indian player Sir Garry Sobers, widely regarded as cricket's greatest all-rounder.
Hampshire travel agents and other guests were able to sample mouth-watering food and a variety of colourful cocktails.
Cheryl Carter, UK director of Barbados Tourism Marketing, said: "We are reconnecting with our agents and telling people that Barbados is open for business.
"We are using our culinary platform - food is at the centre of everything we do. There are more than 500 restaurants on the island."
Asked about the timing of the roadshow she added: "It's the run-up to the winter season and we have a lot of things happening in Barbados. We offer a total island experience."
Barbados is known as the birthplace of rum, having distilled it since the early 1700s.
Every year the island hosts several world-class events including the Barbados Food and Rum Festival and the three-month Crop Over Festival, which attracts celebrities such as Rihanna and Lewis Hamilton.
The roadshow was hosted by Lennon Chandler, also of Barbados Tourism Marketing, who listed some of the island's most popular attractions.
They include Harrison's Cave, which boasts underground waterfalls and deep pools of crystal-clear water. Named after an 18th century landowner, the subterranean system is open to the public, with visitors able to explore by boarding electric trams.
At Bridgetown, the Atlantis Submarine dives to a depth of 150ft during a 40-minute voyage that allows passengers to view a coral reef and a sunken shipwreck.
Other attractions include George Washington House, where the future US president and his older brother stayed in 1751.
Barbados is also home to a 17th-century plantation house and one of the oldest Jewish synagogues in the western hemisphere.
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