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Regional Market Trends & Global Outlook

Barbados News – Barbados Joins CAF as Smallest Full Member, Unlocking $36 Billion in Financing Opportunities

Barbados is poised to become the smallest full member of the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF), unlocking access to over US$18 billion (approximately BDS$36 billion) in financing for government projects, private sector ventures, and individuals. Finance and Economic Affairs Minister Ryan Straughn introduced legislation on Tuesday to formalize the island’s upgraded status,...

Barbados News – Barbados Welcomes the 2025 Air Canada Race for Its First-Ever Caribbean Edition

Barbados is gearing up to welcome the 2025 Air Canada Race from Thursday, November 20 to Tuesday, November 25, 2025, marking the first time this flagship incentive programme will take place in the Caribbean. What the Air Canada Race Is The Air Canada Race is an exclusive “learn-and-earn” initiative by Air Canada that rewards travel agents from Canada (and in some cases the U.S.) who complete a...

Barbados News – CSIC 2025 in Barbados to Focus on Building a Climate-Resilient and Inclusive Caribbean

Barbados is once again taking center stage as a regional leader in sustainability and innovation. From Monday, November 3 to Wednesday, November 5, 2025, Bridgetown will host the Caribbean Sustainable Infrastructure Conference (CSIC 2025) — a high-level gathering aimed at shaping the future of resilient and inclusive infrastructure across the Caribbean. Organized by the Caribbean Development Bank...

Caribbean News – Frontier Airlines Upgrades Its Loyalty Program with More Redemption Choices

Frontier Airlines is giving travelers even more flexibility with its FRONTIER Miles loyalty program — and that’s good news for flyers heading to and from the Caribbean. Members can now use their miles not only for flights but also for popular add-ons like baggage, seat upgrades, priority boarding, and change-fee waivers. The move marks another major step in the airline’s ongoing transformation,...

Caribbean News – Korea-Caribbean Partnership Marks 20 Years as Trade Surges Toward US$70 Billion

Trade and investment ties between Korea and the Caribbean are reaching historic levels, with total trade between Korea and the Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) region projected to climb to a record US$70 billion in 2025. The milestone coincides with the 20th anniversary of Korea’s partnership with the Inter-American Development Bank Group (IDB Group)—a collaboration that continues to deliver...

Barbados News – Barbados Joins the Ranks of the World’s Most Exclusive Ultra-Luxury Destinations

Barbados has officially ascended into the ranks of the world’s most exclusive ultra-luxury destinations, joining celebrated locales such as the United States, Canada, Mexico, Jamaica, and the Cayman Islands. These elite destinations are recognised globally as the epitome of indulgence, attracting discerning American travellers seeking unmatched levels of elegance, privacy, and personalised...

Barbados News – Barbados’ Welcome Stamp Visa Draws Global Professionals and Boosts Foreign Exchange Earnings

Barbados’ innovative 12-month Welcome Stamp visa has proven to be a significant economic contributor, generating over $6 million in foreign exchange during its first three years. The initiative, launched in 2020 by Prime Minister Mia Mottley at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, was designed to offset declines in traditional tourism while attracting high-earning professionals seeking a tropical base...

Barbados News – Barbados Expands Its Tourism Footprint with BHTA’s Strategic Global Marketing Drive

The Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA) is continuing its strategic efforts to elevate Barbados’ international profile by actively promoting the island’s diverse tourism offerings at leading global tradeshows and industry events. As part of its annual outreach initiative, the BHTA - working alongside the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI) and key public and private sector partners...

Caribbean News – Westgate Resorts Makes Strategic Luxury Investment in the Caribbean

Westgate Resorts has announced a major strategic investment in the Banyan Tree Bimini Resort & Residences, a luxury development on Rockwell Island in Bimini, Bahamas, marking the company’s first Caribbean venture. The multimillion-dollar partnership involves Gissy Family Investments and other strategic investors joining forces with RAV Bahamas, the company behind the $850 million Bimini Bay project...

Barbados News – Barbados Amplifies Its Role in Luxury & Incentive Travel with IMEX America 2025 Momentum

Barbados is stepping into the spotlight as a premier destination for business travel, incentives, conferences, and events (MICE) as the second half of 2025 unfolds. Key events, strategic partnerships, and an expanding visitor profile are all evidence that the island is not just keeping pace — it’s raising the bar. Highlights from Barbados’ Recent Travel & MICE Developments 1. Motivation...