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...
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...
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 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...
The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) has announced a groundbreaking partnership with Travel Unity, a New York-based nonprofit dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion in travel. This collaboration marks a major milestone in the region’s ongoing effort to make tourism across the Caribbean more accessible, equitable, and environmentally responsible — ensuring that both travelers and local...
The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) is hosting the 22nd Annual Meeting of the Independent Accountability Mechanisms Network (IAMNet) from October 6–9, 2025, in Barbados, convening accountability professionals from development finance institutions across the globe. CDB is partnering with the Inter-American Development Bank’s Independent Consultation and Investigation Mechanism (MICI), and the...
Barbados’ tourism industry has reached a new milestone in 2025, recording 503,000 stayover visitors between January and August — a 5.43% increase compared to the same period last year. For the first time in the island’s tourism history, the United States has overtaken the United Kingdom as Barbados’ leading source market. Speaking on the final day of the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s State...
Barbados’ Minister of Tourism, Ian Gooding-Edghill, has reaffirmed the vital role of tourism in preserving both peace and identity across the Caribbean. Speaking at the opening ceremony of the State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC) 2025 on October 1, his remarks carried added weight against the backdrop of rising geopolitical tensions in the southern Caribbean. Recent disputes involving...