Barbados is gearing up for one of its largest tourism investment surges in decades, with more than $2 billion (US$1 billion) projected to enter the sector in 2026. According to the Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA), a wave of major hotel developments—spanning the south coast, west coast, and the capital—will dramatically reshape the island’s tourism landscape over the next three years.
Speaking at the BHTA’s fourth quarterly general meeting at Sandals Royal Barbados, Chairman Javon Griffith said the scope and scale of upcoming projects signal a transformative moment for the industry.
“Barbados is entering one of the most significant hotel development cycles that we have seen in decades,” Griffith said. “Across the length and breadth of our island, major projects are taking shape … projects which will redefine our accommodation landscape and strengthen our competitiveness.”
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South Coast Expansion
Leading off the 2026 openings is Hotel Indigo, set to welcome guests in mid-January. The launch marks the return of the InterContinental Hotels Group to Barbados, introducing a lifestyle-focused brand that Griffith said will “add diversity to our accommodation mix and bring renewed energy to an already bustling tourism corridor.”
West Coast Growth
On the platinum coast, Blue Diamond Resorts is progressing with Royalton Royalty Investments, an adults-only, all-inclusive concept scheduled to open on July 1, 2026. With 222 suites and a range of dining and entertainment options, the property is expected to strengthen Barbados’ standing in the premium all-inclusive market.
Farther north in Heywoods, construction is advancing on Beaches Barbados, one of the island’s most anticipated developments. The family-focused all-inclusive resort will introduce approximately 600 rooms and provide a major lift to year-round tourism and employment opportunities. Griffith called Beaches “a transformative investment… appealing to multi-generational travellers.”
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Major Developments in Bridgetown
In the capital, the long-awaited Hyatt Ziva Bridgetown is finally moving ahead. The project, which includes roughly 380 rooms and a mixed-use component, is expected to bring significant revitalization to Carlisle Bay and support Bridgetown’s broader urban renewal efforts.
Ultra-Luxury Market Momentum
At the high end of the market, several luxury projects are also on track. Both Pendry Barbados and the Blue Monkey Hotel are slated for openings between 2026 and 2027, further solidifying the island’s appeal to affluent global travellers.
Reinvestment From Established Brands
Griffith noted that major international brands already operating in Barbados are also reinvesting. Marriott International is undergoing extensive refurbishments across its portfolio, with phased reopenings set through mid-2026.
“These upgrades ensure our properties remain competitive and continue delivering the quality our visitors demand,” he said.
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A Record-Breaking Investment Wave
Taken together, the hotel developments represent more than US$1 billion (over $2 billion) in new tourism and real estate investment—one of the largest surges in Barbados’ recent history.
“They will deliver hundreds of new rooms, thousands of jobs, and tremendous economic stimulus for our island,” Griffith told industry stakeholders.
The BHTA expects these developments to significantly enhance airlift demand, strengthen the island’s global competitiveness, and propel Barbados into a new era of tourism growth.
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