The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) has announced the highly anticipated return of two of its signature events — the Caribbean Hospitality Industry Exchange Forum (CHIEF) and Taste of the Caribbean — both set to take place November 16–18, 2025, at the Wyndham Grand Barbados Sam Lord’s Castle Resort. These flagship events will unite tourism and hospitality professionals,...
Barbados’ financial system reached a record size in 2024, with total assets rising to $30.3 billion, according to the latest Financial Stability Report (FSR) released by the Central Bank of Barbados and the Financial Services Commission (FSC). This represents a notable increase from $29 billion in 2023, with credit expansion across multiple financial institutions fueling the growth. Commercial Banks...
Barbados is stepping boldly into the digital era: as of July 1, 2025, its Immigration Department has officially launched an online entry visa application portal, enhancing convenience and efficiency for travellers worldwide. This new portal joins the EZPay+ online payment system, which has handled all immigration payment types since March 14, 2025. At the press conference held at Immigration HQ on...
Barbados has been officially approved for Series “A” shareholder status by the Board of Directors of CAF – Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean, marking a major milestone in the island's international financial standing. This upgrade, CAF’s highest level of membership, positions Barbados for greater access to development funds and grants the country a seat on the bank’s board,...
Barbados is looking to deepen ties with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region as part of its global tourism expansion strategy. The Caribbean destination welcomed a high-level delegation from the Middle East to its flagship trade show, Connect Barbados, which returned this June for the first time since the pandemic. The four-day event, held from June 23 to 26, 2025, brought together leading travel...
Montego Bay is preparing to mark a major milestone in its tourism landscape with the debut of its first-ever Marriott-branded hotel—a contemporary AC Marriott set to transform the city’s iconic Hip Strip. Announced by Sandals Resorts Executive Chairman Adam Stewart, the 165-room property will be built on the former site of Sandals Carlyle and will feature a European Plan (EP) model—moving away...
Barbados is reshaping its tourism strategy to focus not just on increasing arrivals but on boosting visitor spending and deepening economic impact, Minister of Tourism and International Transport Ian Gooding-Edghill announced on Tuesday. Speaking at the opening of Connect Barbados 2025, the minister unveiled a bold, multi-pronged approach that includes the establishment of a Visitor Spend Task Force, a...
A landmark collaboration between the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the CARICOM Committee of Central Bank Governors aims to accelerate green investments across the English-speaking Caribbean, offering new hope for climate resilience, economic growth, and sustainable development in one of the world’s most vulnerable regions. At the core of this agreement is the creation of a regional...
Barbados is set to deliver another thrilling season of cricket in 2025, with the island once again taking center stage in the Caribbean's sporting calendar. From international tours to the ever-popular Caribbean Premier League (CPL), Kensington Oval and the Three Ws Oval will play host to both seasoned stars and rising talent. Whether you're a die-hard cricket fan or a casual visitor, these events promise...
Barbados is set to take center stage on the global music map this July as GRAMMY®-winning Afrofusion artist Tyla headlines the highly anticipated Tipsy Music Festival 2025, right in the heart of the island’s colourful Crop Over season. The South African sensation will make her Caribbean debut on Sunday, July 20, delivering her chart-topping hits against the tropical backdrop of one of the Caribbean’s...