Barbados’ cruise tourism sector is on track for a strong expansion, with passenger arrivals projected to rise by over 20% in 2026, reinforcing the island’s position as one of the Caribbean’s leading cruise hubs. Current projections indicate that Barbados could welcome approximately 850,000 cruise passengers during the 2025/2026 season, up significantly from around 695,000 in the previous cycle....
Barbados is strengthening its appeal as a Caribbean gateway with the introduction of new direct fly-cruise packages from Bournemouth Airport, offering UK travellers a seamless journey to the region paired with a premium cruise experience aboard Britannia. The programme forms part of P&O Cruises’ Caribbean fly-cruise offering for 2026, where passengers fly from the UK directly to Barbados before...
Barbados’ Platinum Coast is set to welcome a new addition to its evolving hospitality landscape with the launch of Royalton Vessence Barbados, an adults-oriented all-inclusive resort opening on June 1, 2026. Located in Discovery Bay, St. James, the resort introduces a more expansive, experience-driven concept to the island’s west coast—while also becoming part of Marriott International’s Autograph...
Barbados continues to show steady momentum in tourism, recording 727,310 stayover visitors in 2025, marking a 3.3% increase year-on-year. For a destination already operating at high volume, this level of growth reflects not just recovery—but sustained demand and confidence in the island as a leading Caribbean destination. Balanced Growth Across Key Markets A major driver behind this performance is...
Barbados’ all-inclusive hospitality sector is set for a major boost with the highly anticipated return of the iconic Turtle Beach resort—now reimagined under Marriott International’s Tribute Portfolio brand. After an extended period of closure and full-scale renovation, the property is preparing to reopen in 2026 as Turtle Beach, Barbados, A Tribute Portfolio All-Inclusive Resort, marking a...
Barbados is gaining renewed global recognition, with the island being ranked among the safest travel destinations in the Americas and the Caribbean for 2026 - a milestone welcomed by Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. as a strong endorsement of the country’s tourism product. The ranking highlights Barbados’ continued commitment to safety, stability, and visitor experience—key factors that influence...
Easter weekend in Barbados is one of the most vibrant times of the year—where culture, cuisine, music, and island lifestyle come together effortlessly. In 2026, the long weekend runs from Friday, April 3 to Monday, April 6, bringing a mix of tradition, celebration, and unforgettable experiences across the island. Whether you’re visiting or already here, this is your guide to making the most of...
Barbados is rapidly strengthening its position as a major Caribbean cruise hub, as MSC Cruises rolls out an expanded lineup of luxury itineraries for 2026 and beyond. With deployments of both the MSC Opera and the flagship MSC World Europa, the island is now at the center of a new wave of high-end Caribbean cruise experiences. Barbados at the Heart of a 14-Night Caribbean Odyssey One of the...
Barbados continues to reinforce its position as a premier Caribbean destination, with new developments set to enhance its connectivity to one of its most important tourism markets—Canada. In a significant step forward, Porter Airlines has received approval from the Canadian Transportation Agency to operate scheduled services to Bridgetown, along with routes to other Caribbean destinations. While...
Barbados is set to take center stage in the Latin American travel market as Copa Airlines expands its service to the island with daily flights for Summer 2026, while simultaneously naming Barbados its “Destination of the Month.” This dual initiative combines increased connectivity and targeted promotions, reinforcing Barbados’ growing appeal among Latin American travelers and positioning the...