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...
Barbados is set to take a major step forward in digital finance with the official launch of BiMPay, a new national instant payment platform designed to enable real-time transactions across banks, credit unions, and other financial institutions. Developed by the Central Bank of Barbados, the system is expected to modernize the way individuals and businesses send, receive, and manage payments throughout the...
IDB Invest is significantly increasing its investment activity in Barbados, with plans to provide between US$80 million and US$100 million annually to support critical infrastructure, housing, water, sanitation, and private sector development projects. The announcement was made by James Scriven during the organization's Sustainability Week 2026 conference, held at Wyndham Grand Barbados Sam Lord’s...
Guyana and Barbados have announced a series of major regional integration initiatives, including digital ID card travel, enhanced financial connectivity, a new diaspora bond programme, and the proposed Trident Arrow Investment Fund. The announcements were made during a press conference at the Guyana National Stadium as Guyana celebrated its Diamond Jubilee anniversary, with President Dr Mohamed Irfaan...