(From left-right: Olly Dale, Sales Director Liverpool FC; Debe Thompson, BTA; Devon Chase, Acting Senior Business Development Manager, BTA and Robbie Fowler, Club Legend, Liverpool FC)

The Barbados Tourism Authority is delighted to announce the signing of a two year partnership with Liverpool Football Club, which will run until the end of the 2015/16 Barclay Premier League season.

The exclusive tourism partnership places the Barbados Tourism Authority in the position of the 'Club's Official Tourism Partner', and will see the BTA promote the lush Caribbean island to Liverpool FC's global fan base, with a focus on engaging with fans in the UK, North America, Europe, the Caribbean and Latin America.

The Barbados Tourism Authority's partnership with Liverpool FC will aid expansion of its already strong global sporting ties. Barbados boasts the legacy of hosting a number of world-class sports events, including the 2006 PGA World Golf Championship, the 2010 ICC Twenty20 Cricket Finals as well as the popular Barbados Football Legends Tournament, which in 2013 saw a team of ex-Liverpool players - including Club Ambassador Robbie Fowler, Neil Mellor and Stan Collymore - join forces against legends from Manchester United and Arsenal, amongst others. 

To kick-start the partnership, Devon Chase, Acting Senior Business Development Manager of the BTA travelled over to the home of the Reds to enjoy the club's first game of the season against Southampton. Mr. Chase met with LFC Ambassador Robbie Fowler and the Club's Sales Director, Olly Dale, and got a taste of the atmosphere of Anfield on match-day.

To celebrate the alliance, Liverpool FC fans will be introduced to a slice of the island's charm and given the opportunity to taste the flavours of traditional Bajan cuisine at a special 'Taste of Barbados' event. The pop-up Barbados experience will take place at Anfield's Family Park, at the home game against Aston Villa, on Saturday 13 September, 2014. Fans can expect delicious food, pumping Caribbean beats from the steel band, dance performances and much more – certainly enough to whet the appetite for a trip to the island!

Commenting on the new partnership, Billy Hogan, Chief Commercial Officer at Liverpool FC, said: “The new partnership with the Barbados Tourism Authority is really exciting for the Club and our fans. As well as us being able to engage with fans in the Caribbean, tapping into what is already a nation of sports lovers, our global followers will get the chance to win tickets to games as well as once-in-a-lifetime holidays, courtesy of our new partner. We want to work with BTA to help promote the many attributes of Barbados to our global followers, and help increase the numbers of visiting fans to the island.”

Ms Petra Roach, the Barbados Tourism Authority's interim President & CEO, added: “We're very excited to be joining the Liverpool FC family and with such a large contingent of Liverpool fans on the island, it's going to be quite a welcome for them!  Barbados is one of the UK's most desired holiday destinations, while Liverpool FC is one of the UK's most respected football clubs – so the partnership has real synergy and will give us an exciting opportunity to spread the word about our fabulous island even further.”

-ENDS-

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About Barbados

The island of Barbados offers the most authentic Caribbean experience with its exceptionally rich culture and history rooted in remarkable landscapes.  Rated as one of the world's sexiest beaches in 2008 by Concierge.com; Barbados' Crane Beach in St. Philip stands as a premier destination for travelers.  Barbados is also the first Zagat-rated Caribbean island with numerous internationally renowned chefs who masterfully put signature spins on local delicacies and traditions. Barbados is an ideal stage for world-class events and in collaboration with American Express Publishing Corporation, Barbados has hosted its first annual Barbados Food & Wine and Rum Festival in November 2010. 

The country has also hosted numerous athletic championships, including the 2006 PGA World Golf Championships-Barbados World Cup, the ICC Cricket World Cup Finals in 2007, the Sentebale Charity Polo match with Prince Harry of Wales in 2010, and the ICC Twenty20 Cricket Finals for 2010. Accommodations range from picturesque plantation houses and villas, to quaint bed and breakfasts and award-winning, five-star resorts. Grantley Adams International Airport offers even more non-stop and direct service from a growing number of U.S. cities via Jet Blue and American Airlines, making Barbados the true gateway to the Eastern Caribbean. , via Twitter @Barbados or contact the Barbados Tourism Authority at 1.800.221.9831.

About Liverpool Football Club

Founded in 1892, Liverpool FC is one of the world's most historic and famous football clubs having won 18 League Titles, seven FA Cups, eight League Cups, five European Cups, three UEFA Cups, three European Super Cups and 15 Charity Shields

As a socially responsible club, Liverpool FC is proud of its heritage and plays a proactive role in its communities through its official charity, Liverpool FC Foundation. By delivering a range of award-winning programmes, the Foundation motivates and inspires children and adults, both at home and overseas, using football and the power of the Liverpool FC badge. Its contribution has been recognised by the award of a Community Mark from Business In The Community

Liverpool FC is a global brand and works with leading edge commercial partners around the world providing unparalleled commercial opportunities.