Banks Holdings Limited (BHL), one of Barbados’ leading beverage conglomerates, has officially joined the Coca-Cola family following a US$186 million acquisition involving multiple Caribbean companies. On August 1, BHL chairman Luis Alvarez and country manager Shafia London confirmed that Coca-Cola’s KOSCAB Holdings Ltd acquired majority ownership of SLU Beverages Ltd on July 31. SLU Beverages,...
A new era of Caribbean hospitality has arrived with the debut of Ordovician Beach Resort, a 47-room luxury retreat on Isla Grande within Portobelo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Overlooking Panama’s pristine northern Caribbean coast, the resort pairs refined design with environmental stewardship and a deep commitment to uplifting its surrounding communities. Named after a geologic era...
Hilton has officially made its debut in the U.S. Virgin Islands with the launch of Hampton by Hilton St. Thomas, a 126-room waterfront property offering sweeping harbor views, modern amenities, and a prime location just steps from the cruise pier. More than just Hilton’s first hotel in the territory, this opening marks a historic milestone — it’s the first newly built hotel to open in the USVI in...
Four Seasons is taking its Caribbean footprint to new heights with the launch of The Private Estates at Four Seasons Resort and Residences Caye Chapel in Belize — an exclusive new collection of oceanfront homes designed for privacy, panoramic views, and the ultimate in luxury island living. This second phase follows the sell-out success of the resort’s initial residences, responding to strong...
Barbados attracted $367.3 million in foreign direct investment (FDI) in the first half of 2025 — a sharp increase of $109.9 million compared to the same period last year, according to the Central Bank of Barbados. The figure surpasses the $257.4 million recorded in the first half of 2024 and puts the country well on track to exceed the $523 million total for all of last year. Central Bank Governor Dr...
Puerto Rico is set to breathe new life into one of its most celebrated hospitality landmarks with a $35 million restoration of the historic Hotel Ponce Intercontinental. When complete, the property will reopen under Marriott’s Tribute Portfolio brand as The Continental Hotel, blending preserved tropical modernist architecture with fresh, contemporary amenities. The revitalized hotel will feature 148...
The sixth UK Inward Investment Mission to Barbados is set for November 10–14, 2025, offering a platform for business leaders from England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland to explore opportunities for collaboration and expansion. Organised by Invest Barbados in partnership with UK stakeholders, the mission will feature both new and returning entrepreneurs eager to strengthen bilateral investment ties and...
Barbadians are showing unprecedented interest in the $200 million Pierhead Project, with demand for apartments and commercial spaces exceeding expectations just two weeks after its launch. Developers report that local businesses and residents are moving quickly to secure opportunities in this landmark waterfront development. Phase one, known as The Steel Building, is already under construction and will...
The Central Bank of Barbados will reveal the official brand for its National Instant Payment System (IPS) at a launch event on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. The unveiling will showcase the system’s name and logo, along with details of a public education programme designed to help Barbadians prepare for its rollout. Set to go live in 2026, the IPS will enable individuals, businesses, and...
The Dominican Republic’s rising destination of Miches just welcomed a brand-new all-inclusive resort: Dreams Playa Esmeralda. The newly opened family-friendly property is the sister resort to the adults-only Secrets Playa Esmeralda and offers a vibrant alternative for travelers bringing kids, teens, or multigenerational groups. With 500 rooms and suites along a pristine beachfront, Dreams Playa...