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...
The long-awaited Hyatt hotel development on The City’s historic waterfront is slated to commence in January, creating 1,500 jobs and providing a significant boost to the local construction industry. This was announced by developer Mark Maloney during the groundbreaking ceremony for the WestBeach Barbados project last Friday. The Hyatt Ziva all-inclusive hotel, which will extend from the Pierhead...
Barbados is reaping the rewards of recent discussions with Delta Air Lines, as the carrier has announced an increase in airlift for summer 2025. Starting from May 7, 2025, through September 7, 2025, Delta will operate daily non-stop flights from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport to Grantley Adams International Airport. Minister of Tourism and International Transport Ian Gooding-Edghill...
Private equity investment (PEI) is fueling a new wave of development in the Caribbean's hospitality industry, creating exciting opportunities for investors and entrepreneurs alike. With its thriving tourism sector, the Caribbean continues to attract international firms seeking to invest in luxury hotel projects. A prime example of this is Rosewood Hotels & Resorts’ recent announcement of a 124-acre...
The newly appointed Canadian High Commissioner to Barbados, Her Excellency Brenda Hope-Wills, has expressed her commitment to strengthening the long-standing relationship between the two nations and exploring new avenues for collaboration. During a recent courtesy visit with Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley at government headquarters, High Commissioner Hope-Wills affirmed her intention to build on the...
Investors looking to expand their portfolios into sustainable sectors should take note of the upcoming Eastern Caribbean Blue Economy Virtual Investment Forum. Under the theme, “The Blue Economy: A Wealth of Opportunities in Grenada, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines,” this event is scheduled for November 26, 2024. It aims to establish the Eastern Caribbean as a premier destination for...