Barbados is emerging as a clear leader in the Caribbean’s cruise tourism resurgence, recording the strongest cruise passenger growth in the region so far this year. Through the first three quarters, the island has outperformed all other Caribbean destinations in year-over-year cruise traffic expansion. Figures from the Caribbean Tourism Organization show that Barbados received 496,256 cruise...
Barbados is set to significantly strengthen its air connectivity in 2026, with a wave of new and expanded flight services that will make the island easier to reach than ever before. With regional carriers increasing frequencies and international airlines reinforcing long-haul access, Barbados is positioning itself as a major Caribbean gateway for both leisure and business travel. From deeper Caribbean...
Barbados’ financial system continues to demonstrate resilience, supported by solid regulation, improving global credibility and steady progress in modernising its payments infrastructure, according to recent assessments by the Central Bank of Barbados and the Financial Services Commission. These themes were underscored in July, when the two regulators hosted a roundtable to launch the 2024 Financial...
Barbados’ 2025–26 winter tourism season has begun on a positive footing, with hotel occupancy levels tracking ahead of last year and several properties already operating at or near full capacity, according to Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA) chairman Javon Griffith. Speaking on the early performance of the season, Griffith said preliminary indicators point to a modest but consistent...
The Caribbean Export Development Agency has officially joined the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) as an International Network Partner, marking a significant step in deepening commercial and innovation links between the Caribbean and Europe. The partnership opens new avenues for businesses on both sides to access partnerships, market intelligence and investment opportunities. The milestone was...
Caribbean tourism ministers, senior officials and industry leaders convened this month aboard Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas for the “Iconic Summit,” held as part of the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s (CTO) second annual Caribbean Weekend in Miami. Coming on the heels of Hurricane Melissa, which impacted several Caribbean destinations in October, the summit centred on the cruise...
A foreign-buyer and luxury market outlook, residency pathways, and tax positioning for Canadian, U.S., and U.K. investors As Barbados moves into 2026, the island’s real estate market continues to evolve with confidence, underpinned by political stability, a transparent legal system, and a lifestyle offering that remains highly attractive to international buyers. Rather than a cyclical rebound story,...
Barbados is set to benefit from expanded regional air connectivity in 2026, as both interCaribbean Airways and WINAIR introduce new flight services linking the island with Tortola in the British Virgin Islands (BVI). InterCaribbean Airways has announced the launch of a new nonstop service between Tortola and Barbados, commencing on March 8, 2026. The airline will operate seven weekly flights between...
Barbados marked a significant milestone in its cruise tourism sector with the inaugural call of the Oceania Allura to the Port of Bridgetown on December 15, 2025. The newest luxury vessel in the Oceania Cruises fleet arrived with 1,117 passengers, all eager to experience the island’s renowned culture, cuisine, music, and vibrant atmosphere. Launched earlier this year and the sister ship to the...
Sagicor Life Inc. and Sagicor Group Jamaica Limited have announced plans to merge under a new regional holding structure, a move expected to create one of the Caribbean’s largest and most diversified financial services groups. Under the proposed arrangement, both entities will be combined into a single holding company known as Sagicor Group Caribbean, bringing together nearly US$7 billion in assets...