Barbados has received a major vote of confidence from S&P Global Ratings, which has upgraded the island’s long-term local and foreign currency sovereign credit ratings to ‘B+’ from ‘B’, with a stable outlook. The upgrade reflects the country’s improved fiscal discipline, economic resilience, and effective governance, following years of reform under Prime Minister Mia Mottley’s...
Regional Market Trends & Global Outlook
Barbados is deepening its trade and investment relationship with the United Kingdom as it seeks to position itself at the forefront of emerging global industries. The island is focusing on expanding British investment in renewable energy, space technology, and the creative economy — key sectors identified as drivers of sustainable growth. Speaking at the sixth annual UK Trade Mission to Barbados...
Barbados and its Caribbean neighbours are being encouraged to seize billions of dollars in untapped trade and investment opportunities with Africa. The call came as regional and African leaders, entrepreneurs, and policymakers gathered in Bridgetown for the opening of the inaugural GUBA Awards and Trade and Investment Forum on Monday. The Grow, Unite, Build Africa (GUBA) Awards honour the achievements...
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 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 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...
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,...
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 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’ 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...