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...
Barbados has reached a significant milestone in its economic recovery journey with the successful conclusion of its IMF-supported reform programme, securing the final loan disbursement of approximately US$116 million (BDS$232 million) under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) and the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF). The IMF Executive Board approved the fifth and final reviews of both...
The upcoming launch of the CARICOM Payments and Settlement System (CAPSS) is set to transform how money moves across the Caribbean and between the region and Africa. Governor Timothy N. J. Antoine of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) says the system will enhance trade, investment, and financial inclusion, particularly for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). Speaking at the Caribbean...
Royal Caribbean is charting a bold course for 2026 with major upgrades planned for two of its popular Caribbean-focused cruise ships—Harmony of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas. As part of the cruise line’s Royal Amplified program, these transformations aim to deliver even more entertainment, dining, and adventure to guests sailing through the Caribbean. The amplified vessels, now open for...
Barbados is set to strengthen its tourism and investment landscape with the introduction of new legislation to regulate timeshare and fractional ownership arrangements, Minister of Tourism Ian Gooding-Edghill announced on Thursday. The legislation, recently approved by Cabinet, will provide a clear legal framework for both ownership models. While timeshare arrangements typically allow individuals to...
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...
CARICOM is stepping up efforts to modernize its trade framework and strengthen regional economic integration. The recently held 60th Regular Meeting of the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED) concluded with key policy decisions aimed at enhancing productivity, competitiveness, and the region’s global trade position. Major Highlights from the Meeting: Draft Regional Industrial...
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...
Travel to Barbados is getting even more appealing this fall, as the island extends its “Say Hello to Barbados” campaign with generous travel incentives aimed at visitors planning trips between September 1 and October 30, 2025. Bookings made through June 30 will qualify for a variety of perks, led by a standout offer: stay seven nights and pay for just five at participating hotels and resorts across...