Expected Opening: Spring 2026 | 220 Exclusive Rooms The much-anticipated Royalton CHIC Barbados is set to join Marriott’s prestigious Autograph Collection, bringing an all-inclusive, adults-only experience to Barbados like never before. Announced at the 2024 World Travel Market in London, this property by Blue Diamond Resorts aims to elevate the Caribbean travel scene, providing modern luxury and a...
Despite global economic uncertainties and the impact of hurricane Beryl, Barbados has maintained a steady economic growth path, demonstrating resilience in the face of challenges. The nation’s real GDP grew by 3.9% from January to September 2024, driven by key sectors such as tourism, business services, and construction. Inflation has moderated, unemployment has decreased, and Barbados’ external...
From October 16-21, 2024, the Barbados Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BCCI) led a delegation of Barbadian businesses on a successful trade mission to Panama. Organized in collaboration with Propanama, Export Barbados (BIDC), Invest Barbados, the Embassy of Barbados in Panama, and Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc., the mission aimed to expand market opportunities and strengthen economic ties between...
Blue Diamond Resorts has unveiled plans to expand its Caribbean footprint by opening a vibrant, adults-only resort in Barbados. Scheduled to welcome guests in 2026, the Royalton Chic Barbados will offer an all-inclusive luxury experience just a 30-minute drive from Barbados International Airport, featuring 220 modern suites designed to immerse visitors in breathtaking seafront and swim-out...
Barbados’ Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Kerrie Symmonds, has unveiled a plan to enhance the country’s global visibility and foster stronger connections with Barbadians abroad. This strategy includes appointing consuls in key diaspora centers to facilitate outreach and support. At the St James Parish Church, during the launch of the Barbados Diaspora Connection Campaign, Symmonds...
Cruise tourism surged to an unprecedented $4.27 billion in revenue for the Caribbean and Latin America over the past year, marking a 25% increase over the last pre-pandemic peak in 2018. A recent study by the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA), which assessed 33 destinations, revealed that the sector supports over 94,000 jobs, generating $1.27 billion in wages. Cruise lines contributed $968.3...
The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association’s premier event, CHIEF, returns to Miami from November 18-20, hosted at the Kovens Conference Center. The "Caribbean Hospitality Industry Exchange Forum," known as CHIEF, is a high-profile event bringing together Caribbean hoteliers, tourism experts, and industry stakeholders. This year’s theme, "Keeping It Real: Amplifying Caribbean Tourism through...
Avolta has officially launched Rihanna’s celebrated beauty lines—Fenty Beauty, Fenty Skin, and Fenty Eau De Parfum—in Bridgetown, Barbados, bringing the internationally acclaimed brand to the singer’s hometown. Avolta will open two Fenty outlets in Barbados: one at its flagship location on Broad Street and another at Sunset Mall along the island’s west coast. Shoppers will soon have access to...
In a significant development for the Barbados real estate sector, the Barbados Estate Agents & Valuers Association Inc. (BEAVA) and Florida Realtors have renewed their joint memorandum of understanding (MoU) at a ceremony held at Sandy Lane. This renewed partnership is set to open new doors for international business opportunities, offering a boost to the local real estate market by expanding its...
Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries stand to benefit from a newly approved set of reforms by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) that could enhance concessional lending to low-income nations. The IMF’s decision, announced on Monday, aims to preserve the financial institution’s ability to provide long-term support to low-income countries (LICs) while addressing global economic...