Marriott International is introducing a bold new chapter in its hospitality portfolio with the upcoming launch of the first-ever W all-inclusive resort, set to open June 15 in Uvero Alto, Punta Cana. Designed as an adults-only escape with a fresh, vibrant edge, the new W Punta Cana promises a reimagined take on the all-inclusive experience. Guests can begin their day with sunrise yoga on the beach,...
Barbados and other CARICOM nations have successfully secured an exemption from a proposed United States tariff plan that threatened to drive up the cost of goods and disrupt shipping to the region. Following weeks of unified lobbying by CARICOM governments, private sector leaders, and regional stakeholders, the United States Trade Representative (USTR) has ruled that the Caribbean will not be subject...
The Caribbean’s most important travel industry event returns from May 18–22, 2025, as the Caribbean Travel Marketplace (CTM) once again brings together the leading voices shaping the future of regional tourism. Hosted this year in Antigua and Barbuda, the event serves as a powerful platform for networking, business development, and innovation — with a spotlight on the entire Caribbean as a united...
The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors has greenlit a major new energy initiative—the Caribbean Resilient Renewable Energy Infrastructure Investment Facility—targeting Grenada, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Developed in collaboration with the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank and regional governments, the initiative aims to drive the transition to clean, reliable, and...
Caribbean Export Development Agency (CEDA) is preparing to roll out a new grant programme aimed at fostering digital transformation and green innovation across the region. Set to launch within the next two months, the initiative targets entrepreneurs and firms developing solutions that promote climate resilience or digital competitiveness. “This is your opportunity to start with a little seed and...
Barbados’ recent credit rating upgrade by Moody’s is expected to lower borrowing costs, attract more investment, and create room for greater public spending—all positive signs for the island’s economic trajectory, according to leading economist Professor Justin Robinson. Moody’s decision to lift the country’s long-term issuer and senior unsecured ratings from B3 to B2, while maintaining a...
Waldorf Astoria, Hilton’s flagship luxury brand, has unveiled plans for a new high-end residential resort in the Caribbean, marking a significant expansion into one of the region’s most sought-after destinations—Turks and Caicos. Scheduled to debut in 2028, the Waldorf Astoria Turks and Caicos on Dellis Cay will become only the second Waldorf-branded resort in the entire Caribbean and the first in...
Barbados has earned an upgrade in its long-term issuer ratings from B3 to B2 by Moody’s Ratings, reflecting the country's sustained fiscal discipline, economic recovery, and improved debt management. The outlook remains stable. According to Moody’s, the rating improvement stems from Barbados’ consistent primary surpluses, narrowing fiscal deficits, and a firm downward trajectory in public debt....
A US$2.93 million (BDS$5.92 million) coastal fisheries resilience initiative has been launched to support the recovery and modernization of Barbados’ fishing sector following the devastating impact of Hurricane Beryl in 2024. The project, backed by the United Nations and the government of Japan, was officially unveiled on Monday. The year-long initiative is a collaborative effort between the Ministry...
Barbados now boasts the largest electric bus fleet in the Western Hemisphere, thanks to the formal handover of 30 new electric buses from the People’s Republic of China. This latest donation brings the island’s total to 89 electric buses and marks the third delivery in an ongoing partnership between the two nations. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport and Works, Santia Bradshaw,...