The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) hosted its much-anticipated Caribbean Hospitality Industry Exchange Forum (CHIEF) in Miami last month, uniting hospitality and tourism leaders from across the region. Under the theme “Keeping It Real: Amplifying Caribbean Tourism through Authenticity, Integration, and Immersion,” CHIEF 2025 spotlighted the growing importance of creating genuine...
Kick off the new year in Barbados with vibrant events, world-class sailing, music festivals, and one-of-a-kind celebrations! Whether you're ringing in 2025 in style, soaking up the Caribbean sunshine, or immersing yourself in culture and entertainment, there's no shortage of exciting activities this January. Here's a guide to the must-attend events in Barbados to start the year off right! New Year’s...
Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley of Barbados has earned a spot on Forbes Magazine’s prestigious list of the 100 most powerful women in the world for the second time. Mottley, 59, was recognized in the Politics and Policy category, with the magazine highlighting her remarkable leadership on the global stage. Mottley made history in 2018 when she became Barbados' first female prime minister. Since then,...
Royal Caribbean International has unveiled plans for its inaugural Royal Beach Club, set to debut on Paradise Island, The Bahamas, in December 2025. Spanning 17 acres of pristine beachfront, this exclusive destination promises an all-inclusive experience blending Bahamian culture with the cruise line’s signature flair. The Royal Beach Club Paradise Island will feature white-sand beaches, multiple...
The Caribbean has emerged as a top choice for global holiday travelers in 2024, with destinations across the region seeing impressive growth in hotel occupancy rates and average daily rates (ADR). Amadeus’ Demand360® data, as of December 2, 2024, highlights a shift in global travel patterns for the festive season, underscoring the Caribbean’s appeal alongside strong growth in the Asia Pacific...
Jamaica is spearheading a transformative wave in Caribbean tourism by pivoting toward high-end offerings. This new direction, emphasized during a groundbreaking conference on branded real estate development on December 4, highlights Jamaica’s ambition to redefine its hospitality landscape. Held at the Montego Bay Convention Centre, the event showcased the $450-million Montego Bay Pinnacle luxury project...
The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) has once again proven its financial resilience and commitment to regional development. On November 27, 2024, S&P Global Ratings reaffirmed the Bank’s stellar ‘AA+/Stable/A-1’ credit ratings, reflecting its robust financial standing and prudent management practices. In its announcement, the CDB expressed satisfaction with the affirmation, noting that the...
In January, the Central Bank of Barbados shared an optimistic review of the nation’s economic performance for 2023. Governor Dr. Kevin Greenidge reported a 4.4 percent growth in GDP, marking eleven consecutive quarters of real economic expansion. For the first time since the pandemic, GDP surpassed pre-pandemic levels in both nominal and real terms. The tourism sector was pivotal to this recovery, with...
Barbados is paving the way for dynamic international collaborations, as Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley recently held discussions with Russian Ambassador Alexander Kurmaz and India’s non-resident High Commissioner to Barbados, Shri Subhash Prasad Gupta. The talks focused on a wide range of topics, including skill development, economic opportunities, and the future of Barbados’ healthcare and...
Cunard’s iconic Queen Elizabeth is setting sail for an exciting milestone: its first-ever full Caribbean cruise season, departing from Miami starting October 2025. This move reflects Cunard's ongoing commitment to expanding its footprint in North America and introducing guests to the stunning beauty of the Caribbean. A Revamped Queen Elizabeth Before its Caribbean debut, the Queen Elizabeth will...