Barbados’ premier tourist attraction has added a new feature to its range of offerings.

Harrison’s Cave Eco-Adventure Park, which is now operated by Chukka Caribbean Adventures (Barbados) Ltd., has announced that it will be hosting special events, primarily within a section of the cave known as the rotunda room.

During a premier event last Saturday, Explore the Flavours, officials at the popular St Thomas attraction hosted about 30 specially invited guests to experience an evening of cocktail and food pairing below ground.

Guests were treated to an evening of live music as they sampled five courses of tapas paired with rum-based cocktails prepared by local chef Trevon Stoute and mixologist Alexander Chandler.

Country Manager of CHUKKA Caribbean (Barbados) Ltd.

Andrea Franklin told Barbados TODAY the exclusive in-cave tapas and cocktail pairing experience would be a new staple on the calendar of offerings at the location.

“We are showcasing the room, but it is also the launch of our signature events here in the rotunda room. They will be happening going forward. Once we are able to, we will have different events in this area,” she said.

The plan is to host events there at least once per month, the first of which is scheduled for Valentine’s Day, February 14.

Franklin said part of the objective was to showcase as much local talent as possible while making events a major part of the over 40-year-old attraction.

“So, we work with our local culinary team. Each event that we do we will aim to focus on a different talent. We also have our partnership with Mount Gay so going forward you will always see that linkage as well,” she said.

Individuals and groups will also be able to host events at the location, including weddings and receptions.

“One of the mandates is that we have to build out events and it will not only be events [inside the cave].

“There will be events at other parts of the attraction and you will be hearing more from us very shortly at the opening of our new pool bar,” said Franklin.

After closing in March 2020 when the island started to be impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, Harrison’s Cave Eco- Adventure Park reopened to the public in early July 2021.

The following year, CHUKKA officially introduced the upgraded facility with five ziplines, a zip and gully challenge course, a nature trail, and a rum cellar and tasting room.

Franklin said while those attractions have been a hit, especially among the younger demographic, the rebound of the cruise industry has seen continued growth in tours of the cave.

“The cave is still our signature tour and you can’t take that away. People know Harrison’s Cave for the signature tram tour. It may be the cave by itself, but we also have different packages that incorporate the cave and something else. But 80 per cent of our tours still come through the cave. The demand is still there,” she reported.

The approximately US$5 million upgrade was to also include a completed Bajan chattel house-themed video information room, an approximately 30-foot infinity pool, an enhanced interpretation centre, a dry slide, a suspended bridge, an aviary and a renewed retail centre.

Officials are expected to give an update in a matter of weeks. marlonmadden@barbadostoday.bb