BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC – Prime Minister David Thompson is to launch a new tourism initiative involving Barbadians living overseas when he visits makes a week-long trip to the United Kingdom starting Friday.

The programme, Barbados Friends and Family (BFF), is described as a unique initiative developed by the Barbados Tourism Authority (BTA). It is aimed at targeting the Barbados Diaspora with an aim of rewarding nationals who encourage others to travel to the island.

It comes against the backdrop of an 11.1 per cent drop in stay over visitors to Barbados.

?We wanted to develop a scheme that would honour the loyalty and patriotism of Barbadians living all over the world; allowing them to do their part in encouraging visitors to come to Barbados and be rewarded for their efforts,? Prime Minister Thompson said ahead of the launch in Reading, Berkshire.

?Reading has always offered a focal point for Barbadians who came to live in the UK. There is a very strong community here, like a little part of Barbados without the sun, sea and sand and I am anticipating a very successful visit.?

Under the initiative, members of the BFF club can earn points for each visitor who they travels to the island based on their referral.

It also provides participants to participate in educational seminars organised by the BTA.