The Caribbean has emerged as a top choice for global holiday travelers in 2024, with destinations across the region seeing impressive growth in hotel occupancy rates and average daily rates (ADR). Amadeus’ Demand360® data, as of December 2, 2024, highlights a shift in global travel patterns for the festive season, underscoring the Caribbean’s appeal alongside strong growth in the Asia Pacific...
Jamaica is spearheading a transformative wave in Caribbean tourism by pivoting toward high-end offerings. This new direction, emphasized during a groundbreaking conference on branded real estate development on December 4, highlights Jamaica’s ambition to redefine its hospitality landscape. Held at the Montego Bay Convention Centre, the event showcased the $450-million Montego Bay Pinnacle luxury project...
The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) has once again proven its financial resilience and commitment to regional development. On November 27, 2024, S&P Global Ratings reaffirmed the Bank’s stellar ‘AA+/Stable/A-1’ credit ratings, reflecting its robust financial standing and prudent management practices. In its announcement, the CDB expressed satisfaction with the affirmation, noting that the...
In January, the Central Bank of Barbados shared an optimistic review of the nation’s economic performance for 2023. Governor Dr. Kevin Greenidge reported a 4.4 percent growth in GDP, marking eleven consecutive quarters of real economic expansion. For the first time since the pandemic, GDP surpassed pre-pandemic levels in both nominal and real terms. The tourism sector was pivotal to this recovery, with...
Barbados is paving the way for dynamic international collaborations, as Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley recently held discussions with Russian Ambassador Alexander Kurmaz and India’s non-resident High Commissioner to Barbados, Shri Subhash Prasad Gupta. The talks focused on a wide range of topics, including skill development, economic opportunities, and the future of Barbados’ healthcare and...
Cunard’s iconic Queen Elizabeth is setting sail for an exciting milestone: its first-ever full Caribbean cruise season, departing from Miami starting October 2025. This move reflects Cunard's ongoing commitment to expanding its footprint in North America and introducing guests to the stunning beauty of the Caribbean. A Revamped Queen Elizabeth Before its Caribbean debut, the Queen Elizabeth will...
Barbados proudly celebrates the appointment of Daniel Best as the seventh president of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB). The CDB’s board of governors announced the historic decision on Wednesday, marking a pivotal moment for the institution and the region. In its official statement, the CDB emphasized Best’s extensive expertise and visionary leadership. “This decision underscores the bank’s...
Barbados is redefining its renewable energy landscape with an ambitious four-year initiative to convert agricultural waste into bioenergy. The Sustainable Management and Resilient Thinking for our Energy Revolution (SMARTER) project, funded by the Global Environment Facility, marks a pivotal step towards the nation’s goal of achieving 100% renewable energy by 2030. Launched on Wednesday at the...
Developing and owning hotels in the Caribbean comes with its unique challenges—local labor laws, weather unpredictability, and cultural nuances all contribute to the complexity. To mitigate these risks, a growing number of hotel owners are turning to third-party management companies, a trend that's reshaping the region’s hospitality landscape. At the recent Caribbean Hotel Investment Conference and...
In December 1949, history was made as Air Canada, then known as Trans Canada Airlines, became the first North American carrier to touch down in beautiful Barbados. That inaugural flight sparked a connection that has endured for 75 years, a bond celebrated this week in style at Toronto's chic X Hotel. The celebration wasn’t just about an airline route; it was about a friendship between two...