Blue Diamond Resorts has announced its entry into Marriott International’s prestigious Luxury Collection with the addition of Paraíso de la Bonita, A Luxury Collection Resort, Riviera Maya, Adult All-Inclusive — a landmark move that signifies the group’s expansion into the ultra-luxury all-inclusive space. Marking a highlight in Blue Diamond Resorts’ 15th anniversary year, the partnership...
The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) has launched an ambitious new blueprint to redefine the future of tourism across the region. Titled the “Reimagine Plan 2025–2027,” this strategic roadmap moves beyond recovery and calls for a complete transformation of Caribbean tourism into a driver of innovation, inclusion, and resilience. Unveiled in New York, the Barbados-based CTO's plan outlines a...
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...
The Caribbean now has its first JdV by Hyatt property with the debut of Royal Beach Hotel Punta Cana, a vibrant new lifestyle hotel located in the heart of El Cortecito, one of Punta Cana’s most culturally rich neighborhoods. Developed in collaboration with Grupo Martinon, the 66-room boutique hotel blends local flavor with modern comfort and marks a milestone for Hyatt’s growing lifestyle...
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,...
Hilton has officially opened its first-ever Curio Collection all-inclusive resort in the Dominican Republic, unveiling Zemi Miches Punta Cana All-Inclusive Resort on the tranquil shores of Playa Esmeralda. This 500-room property blends elevated design, deep cultural roots, and curated experiences to position Miches as the country’s next must-visit destination. Located just over an hour from Punta...
July in Barbados is bursting with vibrant culture, outdoor adventures, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re a nature lover, a partygoer, or someone who enjoys a touch of history and art, the island has something for you. Here’s your guide to the top events happening in Barbados this July: 🥾 Hike Barbados Location: Various meeting points island-wideDates: Sundays, July 6 •...
New hotel performance data from STR reveals a mixed picture for the Caribbean hospitality sector, with regional occupancy dipping while average daily rates (ADR) saw only marginal growth. In May 2025, hotel occupancy across the Caribbean stood at 61.7 percent, reflecting a 5.3 percent drop compared to the same month in 2024. While the decline is notable, it varies significantly by island, with some...
Global hotel operator Valor Hospitality Partners is officially entering the Caribbean market through a landmark partnership with Cove Bay Developments to manage a new luxury destination on Tobago’s stunning northern coast. The Plymouth Peninsula Tobago project is set to debut in 2027 and marks Valor’s first footprint in the region. The high-end resort will be developed by Cove Bay Developments, led...
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...