The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) has announced plans for the region’s inaugural luxury travel trade show, set to take place in late September. CHTA President Josef Forstmayr described the event as a showcase of the Caribbean’s ability to compete with the world’s leading destinations for high-end travelers. “The Caribbean is the most aspirational region in the world, and we...
Regional Market Trends & Global Outlook
Asa P. Sealy, a former executive with over a decade of leadership at Carib Brewery USA, has unveiled Trade Trek USA, a pioneering company designed to help Caribbean businesses expand into the United States and beyond. With a subscription-based model, Trade Trek USA provides businesses with access to vital resources and strategies to compete in global markets. The platform offers ongoing support,...
The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) has unveiled its 2025 theme, “Caribbean Resilience: Crafting Tomorrow’s Tourism.” This theme underscores the region’s commitment to strengthening its tourism sector by leveraging its inherent strengths, addressing emerging challenges, and embracing innovation. Ian Gooding-Edghill, CTO Chairman and Barbados’ Minister of Tourism and International...
The Barbados Independent Film Festival (BIFF) is set to captivate audiences with a dazzling showcase of international cinema, featuring 60 films from 20 countries over five unforgettable days. Celebrating its ninth edition, BIFF 2025 promises to deliver a compelling blend of storytelling, artistry, and cultural diversity, drawing residents and visitors alike into its cinematic journey. At the...
Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados has been awarded one of Suriname’s highest national honors, the Grand Cordon in the Order of the Palm, in recognition of her exceptional leadership and dedication to strengthening Caribbean unity. The ceremony, held at the Presidential Palace, highlighted Mottley’s significant contributions to Barbados-Suriname relations, her pivotal role within the Caribbean...
Following the UK Spring Budget of 2024, which introduced significant changes to the taxation system for non-domiciled individuals in the UK—often referred to as UK non-doms—Barbados has emerged as a prime relocation destination. The proposed elimination of the remittance basis of taxation and other reforms has prompted many international entrepreneurs residing in the UK to reconsider their tax...
Barbados' Welcome Stamp initiative has emerged as a beacon for digital nomads, drawing in a remarkable amount of participants over the past years, with a majority hailing from the United States. This innovative program, designed to offer a seamless blend of work and leisure in a picturesque island setting, has proven to be a resounding success, showcasing a promising model for sustainable...
Barbados extends its popular Welcome Stamp Programme after receiving over 5,000 applications worldwide. Barbados has decided to extend its Welcome Stamp Programme until December 31, 2026, in response to the overwhelming interest in its remote work visa scheme, which has now received over 5,000 applications. Originally launched in the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, the programme, now in its...
In January 2025, the Henley Passport Index, a leading authority on passport rankings, unveiled its latest report, showcasing the global mobility offered by passports worldwide. For Caribbean nations, the rankings highlight the considerable ease of travel their passports provide, with several countries standing out for their ability to grant visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to numerous...
The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) is breaking new ground in its commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs across the region. Through the SheTrades Caribbean Hub—a joint initiative with the International Trade Centre (ITC)—CDB has unveiled an innovative partnership with Caribshopper, an e-commerce platform that connects Caribbean businesses with North American consumers. This collaboration aims...