Barbados’ economy continues to show steady resilience, recording 1.7% growth in the first quarter of 2026 and marking 20 consecutive quarters of expansion, according to the Central Bank. The sustained growth reflects broad-based performance across key sectors, with tourism, construction, and services continuing to drive economic activity despite ongoing global uncertainties. Tourism and Services...
Investor confidence in the Caribbean hospitality sector is showing renewed strength heading into 2026, with Barbados and several regional destinations emerging as key focal points for hotel development and capital deployment. Following a strong post-pandemic recovery, the Caribbean tourism industry is once again attracting attention from global investors, supported by rising visitor demand, improved...
Barbados’ luxury hospitality landscape is evolving with the launch of a new immersive concept, as Royalton Hotels & Resorts partners with Mount Gay Rum to introduce a deeply local, experience-driven approach to all-inclusive travel. The collaboration is centered around the upcoming Royalton Vessence Barbados, set to open on June 1, 2026, marking a significant addition to the island’s premium...
Barbados is increasingly positioning itself as a compelling jurisdiction for the growth of Managing General Agents (MGAs), as global demand for specialised and flexible insurance models continues to rise. Speaking at the Barbados Risk & Insurance Management (BRIM) Conference, Robert Ali, Chief Operating Officer of Active Re, highlighted the island’s strong potential to support the next phase of...
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 is entering a new phase of tourism development, with Prime Minister Mia Mottley outlining a forward-looking strategy designed to reposition the island in an increasingly competitive global market. Branded as “Tourism 3.0,” the approach reflects a shift away from traditional models toward a more diversified, resilient, and inclusive tourism ecosystem - one that blends global investment with...
Barbados’ luxury real estate and lifestyle offering is set to gain international attention as Apes Hill Barbados hosts the Staysure Legends Tour from April 24–26, 2026, bringing some of golf’s most celebrated names to the island. Now in its third consecutive year at Apes Hill, the Barbados Legends tournament hosted by Masters and Ryder Cup champion Ian Woosnam, continues to grow in stature,...
Barbados’ real estate market is attracting a growing wave of interest from Trinidad and Tobago, as investors increasingly look beyond their domestic market for stronger returns, US-dollar income, and higher-quality property opportunities. This shift was underscored at a recent investor showcase in Port-of-Spain, where leading developers introduced new Barbados-based projects to a receptive audience...
The Central Bank of Barbados is taking a significant step to improve access to financing for small businesses through its Enhanced Credit Guarantee Fund (ECGF)—a programme designed to reduce lending risk and unlock capital for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). The initiative was highlighted by Darrin Downes at the State of the Sector Conference hosted by the Small Business...
Barbados’ captive insurance sector continues to expand, adapting to global industry shifts while reinforcing its position as one of the world’s leading captive domiciles. With over 270 active captive insurance companies and a ranking among the top global jurisdictions, the island remains a key hub for international risk management solutions. At the 2026 Barbados Risk & Insurance Management...