From April to July 2024, the Central Bank of Barbados (CBB) engaged in in-depth discussions with local financial institutions, the World Bank, and other key stakeholders to assess and enhance the country's payments infrastructure. These talks focused on reviewing the current legal and regulatory framework, with an emphasis on improving Barbados' Real-Time Payments (RTP) system. As part of this effort,...
Barbados has launched the Bridgetown Initiative 3.0, a comprehensive strategy aimed at transforming the global financial system to better serve climate-vulnerable nations. The initiative seeks to generate $1 trillion in new funding, largely through taxing major carbon emitters and the super-wealthy, to combat the pressing challenges of climate change, debt, and inequality. Announced on September 27,...
The Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO) has announced plans to reignite its marketing efforts across the UK and Europe. This initiative marks a significant partnership with the CTO Chapter in these regions, which includes over 85 travel-related companies and organisations. The UK & Europe Chapter is set to roll out a series of marketing campaigns aimed at engaging consumers, the travel industry,...
Pop star and entrepreneur Rihanna has announced the upcoming launch of her renowned beauty brands—Fenty Beauty, Fenty Skin, and Fenty Fragrance—across the Caribbean region. Starting October 24, 2024, her products will be available in nine island nations, including her native Barbados. Rihanna shared the news via a video message on her social media, expressing her excitement about bringing her...
United States-based airline JetBlue is celebrating 15 years of flying to Barbados with special fares starting at just $115 one-way from John F Kennedy Airport in New York. The announcement was made via their official Facebook page, with Visit Barbados authorities highlighting the opportunity: “Nonstop sunshine, nonstop savings! JetBlue is celebrating 15 years of flying to Barbados with special fares...
The Caribbean is experiencing a robust revival in tourism, with Barbados emerging as a key leader alongside Cuba, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, and St. Lucia. These islands are revitalizing the region’s appeal through a mix of rising hotel occupancy rates, new airline routes, and a booming cruise industry, positioning the Caribbean as one of the world’s most sought-after destinations in 2024. Barbados: The...
In an exciting development for travelers, LIAT 2020 has announced the launch of new air routes that significantly enhance connectivity between the Caribbean and the UK. This initiative opens up a world of opportunities for both international tourists and local residents looking to explore the diverse islands of the Caribbean. LIAT’s latest expansion includes three new routes connecting Barbados,...
Hyatt’s much-anticipated Centric brand is finally making its debut in the Caribbean, and it’s coming to the heart of the Dominican Republic. After years of speculation and rumors about possible locations in Barbados and Puerto Rico, the first Hyatt Centric hotel in the region is set to open in Santo Domingo. The Hyatt Centric Santo Domingo is scheduled to welcome guests in spring 2025. Located in...
One of the Caribbean’s most dynamic hospitality leaders has stepped into a significant new role: president of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA). Sanovnik Destang, executive director of the Bay Gardens Resorts in Saint Lucia, has been officially elected as the association’s new president. His appointment was confirmed at the recent CHTA General Meeting. Destang, who was recognized...
The Caribbean nations offering Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs have once again cemented their dominance in the global migration industry, as evidenced by the latest 2024 CBI Index. For the fourth consecutive year, St Kitts and Nevis has been named the top-ranking nation, securing an impressive score of 84%. Other Caribbean nations, including Dominica (80%), Grenada (77%), Saint Lucia (74%), and...