S.O.S: Rihanna Is Barbados’ New Tourism Ambassador

Words by Jesse Serwer

It’s more likely you’ll bump into an old high school teacher on the beach in Barbados than one of your bros. It’s the mature traveler’s Caribbean destination. Which is why its intriguing that the country has tapped Rihanna as its new tourism ambassador. The move of course makes perfect sense. Rihanna is pretty much the most famous–and popular–Bajan ever. But we’re also reading it as a move to attract more young people. Barbados, which has generally touted its abundant scenery, historical sites and country lifestyle to would-be tourists in the past, appears to be taking a page out of Jamaica’s book and promoting its culture. “Barbados is a place like no other and one of the reasons for this is the spirit and national pride of our people,” Rihanna said in her comments on the appointment. “What makes this destination different from all others and that is the spirit and warmth of my fellow Barbadians.” Her first act in the new role will be a show in Bridgetown Aug. 5, right ’round the culmination of Crop Over. Meet us there?