barbados
Life didn’t begin in Barbados, it was just perfected here. And while the rest of the world – particularly those in current or former British territories – were well versed in the Bajan experience, many Americans were naive to all that this small Caribbean island could offer vacationers. With our Long Live Life campaign, AD Brandon Sanders and I looked to remedy this. And in the process won Best of Show at the Adrian Awards, which is like the Oscars for Travel & Tourism marketing. Or so they say.
COPY: I will be the student. I will receive an education in how to relax and put things into perspective. I will learn there are few things that can’t be solved by good conversation and even better rum punch. I will drink and laugh with my teachers during and after class. I will learn to really live.
COPY: I will become a hopeless romantic. I will steal kisses beneath a towering palm. I will feel insignificant and all-powerful at the same time. I will stop and smell the Dwarf Poinciana. I will find exactly what I was looking for in a place I never knew existed. I will discover a new way of living.
COPY: I will play hard. I will discover new games to attempt. I will feel free to ask stupid questions and embarrass myself gladly. I will let my guard down, except when defending my wicket. I will become fluent in “googlies” and “maiden overs”. I will never let my vacation days go unused again. I will live every minute.
COPY: I will slow down. I will get out of my own way. I will wander aimlessly off the beaten path. I will listen to my heart rather than my head. I will roam. I will explore. I will not worry about how it looks, only how it feels. I will get lost. I will find myself. I will have the time of my life.
COPY: I will lead an expedition into uncharted moments. I will seek and I will find. I will create a sense of wonder and grant innumerable wishes. I will ignite an imagination. I will rediscover what’s important. I will give my undivided attention. I will take this feeling with me wherever I go. I will embrace living.
COPY: I will get swept away. I will expand my comfort zone. I will learn to speak fluently in flying fish. I will embrace every sight and sound. I will be infectious with my laughter and generous with my smile. I will seriously contemplate staying here forever at least once every hour. I will live for today.
To help educate potential visitors on the art of fine living in Barbados, we created a series of “Life Lessons” and “Bajan Stories” videos that featured Bajans from across the island. Including one of the greatest All Rounders to ever play cricket, Sir Garfield Sobers; the Queen of Soca music, Alison Hinds; Calypso star Red Plastic Bag; and folk singer The Mighty Gabby. But sadly, no Rihanna. Here are just a couple of the dozen produced.
Online, these videos helped visitors plan their itinerary. As when played, they would populate the Barbadian map on the right with places of interest as they were mentioned in the video. These selections could then be organized and emailed out for the small fee of an email address.
Granted, in 2022, this functionality may not seem too exciting. But for 2010, it was pretty baller. Or as they might say in Barbados, ‘Cheese on bread!’
