Travelmatch: New Ambassador for Barbados Rihanna to Encourage Tourism

LONDON, June 28, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

Rihanna has been named ambassador for her home country of Barbados by the Barbados Tourism Authority, Travelmatch says this will drive up tourism to the island.

The Barbados Tourism Authority announced this week that pop sensation Rihanna has become Barbados's ambassador for tourism. The star, who was born and raised on the island, will undertake a three year promotional partnership with the Barbados Tourism Authority including advertising campaigns, concerts and social media promotion. Online travel specialists Travelmatch says that the singer's endorsement of the island will draw more travellers to the island in the next few years.

Alex Francis of travelmatch.co.uk comments: "Barbados is stunningly beautiful island known for its lush tropical scenery, white sand beaches and turquoise oceans, but it often doesn't get the same recognition for its natural beauty that some other island destinations such as Hawaii do. Rihanna's partnership with the Barbados Tourism Authority is sure to draw more attention to this amazing destination and with companies such as Virgin Holidays offering more tremendous package deals every year we predict there will be quite a substantial upturn in the number of tourists choosing Barbados for their holidays over the next few years."

One of the best-selling artists of all time with more than 30 million albums and 100 million singles sold, Rihanna's pride in her home island can be seen in many of her videos where the Barbadian flag is featured. Upon her appointment, Rihanna said in a statement: "Barbados is a place like no other and one of the reasons for this is the spirit and national pride of our people. I want each and every visitor to this beautiful island to experience what makes this destination different from all others and that is the spirit and warmth of my fellow Barbadians."

The partnership between Rihanna and the Barbados Tourism Authority will officially begin on the 5^th of August with a celebratory concert in Bridgetown, Barbados.

Francis concludes: "This announcement means big things for the future of Barbados's tourism industry. Since rising to fame just a few years ago, Rihanna has already done a lot to put Barbados back on the map and this new promotional partnership promises to bring more tourists than ever before flocking to the island for their holidays in 2012 and beyond. Travelmatch are delighted to see this breath taking island getting the promotion it deserves."

About Travelmatch:

Travelmatch is a new travel discovery engine that helps inspire customers by matching their requirements to a wide range of holidays, hotels, flights, cruises, villas or city breaks. Unlike other travel sites, customers are not required to choose a destination, date or budget before they can begin searching. Customers are able to make informed decisions by exploring photos, user reviews, maps, events and activities and other fun things relevant to their chosen travel product. travelmatch.co.uk/, which closed its first funding round in 2010, is based in Notting Hill, London.

You can also find Travelmatch on social networks: follow us @Travelmatch or like Travelmatch on Facebook to keep up to date with all the latest news and travel deals.

SOURCE Travelmatch