A new direct air link between Africa’s most populous nation Nigeria and Barbados could unlock fresh tourism revenue, expand trade and deepen cultural ties, a University of the West Indies economist has said, as the island moves to diversify its international markets.

Speaking in the wake of the first official flight by Nigerian carrier Air Peace into Barbados at the weekend, Alleyne said the new route opens the door for increased economic activity between the island and West Africa.

“There are positives – I like to use the word potential – for both the tourism and the trade sector,” he said.