Barbados has strengthened its commitment to sustainable economic development through a new partnership with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), an initiative designed to accelerate industrial transformation while addressing the unique challenges faced by Small Island Developing States (SIDS). The collaboration aims to help Barbados build a greener, more resilient and...
Barbados is entering a new chapter in its tourism and economic development, with Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley declaring the island has moved beyond economic recovery and into a new phase of sustainable, tourism-led expansion. Speaking at the official opening of the Royalton Vessence Barbados in Holetown, St. James, the Prime Minister described this next stage as "Tourism 3.0"—a strategy focused on...
The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) has unveiled CDB PROPEL, a new flagship programme designed to strengthen micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) across the Caribbean through enhanced technical assistance, innovation, and institutional support. Launched in recognition of World MSME Day, the initiative marks a significant evolution of the Bank’s long-running Caribbean Technological...
Barbados has emerged as the strongest-performing country among several Caribbean nations assessed under the Caribbean Development Bank’s (CDB) Evaluation of Policy-Based Lending Operations 2017–2025, highlighting the island’s leadership in implementing nationally driven economic reforms and strengthening institutional governance. The independent evaluation, conducted by the CDB’s Office of...
Barbados continues to reinforce its status as one of the Caribbean’s top-performing tourism destinations as Connect Barbados 2026 brought together a record number of global travel buyers, tour operators, and tourism stakeholders for the island’s flagship trade event. The annual business-to-business platform served as a major opportunity to strengthen international partnerships, expand travel...
The Caribbean hotel industry is delivering a standout performance in 2026, with record-breaking occupancy levels, rising room rates, and stronger revenue growth signaling one of the region’s strongest tourism years on record. New data from hospitality analytics firm STR shows that Caribbean hotels continue to benefit from sustained travel demand, reinforcing the region’s position as one of the...
InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has officially expanded its Caribbean presence with the opening of Hotel Indigo Bridgetown Barbados, a vibrant new boutique hotel bringing design-led hospitality to Barbados’ dynamic South Coast. Located in Hastings along Barbados’ lively Highway 7 corridor, the 132-room property places guests at the heart of one of the island’s most walkable and energetic...
Barbadian businesses are set to gain expanded access to regional financing and international growth opportunities following Barbados’ full membership in the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF). The move opens the door for private sector companies to directly access funding, advisory services, and strategic partnerships aimed at accelerating business expansion and export...
Barbados has taken a major step toward digital transformation with the official launch of BiMPay, the island’s new national instant payment platform designed to enable seamless real-time transactions for individuals, businesses, and government agencies around the clock. The system officially went live during a launch ceremony on Friday evening, where Prime Minister Mia Mottley completed the...
The Caribbean’s private sector is set to benefit from expanded access to trade finance and investment opportunities following a new strategic partnership between IDB Invest and the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB). The collaboration aims to strengthen financing mechanisms for businesses across the region, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), while supporting trade, investment, and...