Across the Caribbean, hotels are increasingly opting for full-scale property reinventions rather than simple room renovations, reflecting changing traveller expectations and growing competition in the luxury hospitality market. The latest example is RIU Hotels & Resorts, which has reopened its Riu Palace Peninsula in Cancun following an extensive transformation designed to deliver a more modern and...
Barbados has strengthened its commitment to sustainable economic development through a new partnership with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), an initiative designed to accelerate industrial transformation while addressing the unique challenges faced by Small Island Developing States (SIDS). The collaboration aims to help Barbados build a greener, more resilient and...
For decades, Barbados has been recognised for its stunning beaches, warm hospitality and luxury resorts. Today, however, the island is earning equal recognition for something far more authentic - its cuisine. As global travellers increasingly seek meaningful cultural experiences, Barbados is positioning itself at the forefront of the Caribbean's culinary tourism movement, transforming local food, rum...
Barbados is entering a new chapter in its tourism and economic development, with Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley declaring the island has moved beyond economic recovery and into a new phase of sustainable, tourism-led expansion. Speaking at the official opening of the Royalton Vessence Barbados in Holetown, St. James, the Prime Minister described this next stage as "Tourism 3.0"—a strategy focused on...
Barbados and Martinique have taken a significant step toward deeper regional collaboration following the signing of a new cooperation agreement between Prime Minister Mia Mottley and Serge Letchimy, President of the Executive Council of Martinique. The agreement was signed on July 7 on the sidelines of the CARICOM Summit, marking an important milestone in Martinique’s renewed engagement with its...
The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) has unveiled CDB PROPEL, a new flagship programme designed to strengthen micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) across the Caribbean through enhanced technical assistance, innovation, and institutional support. Launched in recognition of World MSME Day, the initiative marks a significant evolution of the Bank’s long-running Caribbean Technological...
Barbados has emerged as the strongest-performing country among several Caribbean nations assessed under the Caribbean Development Bank’s (CDB) Evaluation of Policy-Based Lending Operations 2017–2025, highlighting the island’s leadership in implementing nationally driven economic reforms and strengthening institutional governance. The independent evaluation, conducted by the CDB’s Office of...
Barbados has taken another step in strengthening its global diplomatic and economic partnerships following the official visit of Noura Al Kaabi, the United Arab Emirates Minister of State, whose trip focused on expanding bilateral cooperation across trade, investment, culture, innovation, and sustainable development. Her visit signals growing engagement between Barbados and the UAE, as both nations...
Barbados’ luxury hospitality scene has welcomed an exciting new addition with the opening of Blue Monkey Hotel & Beach Club in Paynes Bay, St. James. The highly anticipated boutique property brings a fresh, design-led approach to Caribbean luxury, combining personalized service, elegant contemporary interiors, and exclusive beachfront access on Barbados’ prestigious Platinum Coast. With just 28...
Barbados continues to reinforce its status as one of the Caribbean’s top-performing tourism destinations as Connect Barbados 2026 brought together a record number of global travel buyers, tour operators, and tourism stakeholders for the island’s flagship trade event. The annual business-to-business platform served as a major opportunity to strengthen international partnerships, expand travel...