AGP Executive Report

Tourism Outlook: Afreximbank says Barbados’ tourism-led growth is forecast at 1.9% this year and 2.3% in 2027, supported by visitor arrivals and investment. Regional Leadership: Antigua and Barbuda’s Charles Fernandez has succeeded Barbados’ Ian Gooding-Edghill as chair of the Caribbean Tourism Organization, with sustainability and keeping more visitor spending in local communities among key priorities. New Markets: Barbados is pursuing stronger tourism ties with Kenya, including a possible formal agreement, as it courts more African visitors through its Nairobi-based regional office. Local Experiences: The Food and Rum Festival’s Rum Route returns with a new itinerary featuring rum shops, entertainment and a street party on Rihanna Drive; a new Bajan Harvest Hub is also connecting farmers with hotels and restaurants to put more local produce on menus. Island Discovery: Bathsheba’s dramatic boulders and Soup Bowl surf break are drawing attention as an east-coast outing, though the rough water is unsuitable for casual swimming. Connectivity: Added air capacity to Barbados and boosted interCaribbean service from Trinidad ahead of Carnival are set to support travel and hospitality.

Youth Tourism: Barbados’ Jahneil McKenzie placed third in the CTO’s 2026 Regional Tourism Youth Congress. Africa Market: Barbados is pursuing tourism cooperation with Kenya, including a possible formal agreement, as BTMI builds links with African travel agents and operators. Bathsheba: A new travel feature spotlights the east-coast village’s giant beach boulders and Soup Bowl surf, while warning that rough water makes it unsafe for casual swimming. Local Supply: Bajan Harvest Hub will connect farmers with hotels and restaurants, aiming to put more local produce on menus and keep more tourism spending in Barbados. Food and Rum: The festival’s Rum Route returns in November with a new itinerary, including a street party on Rihanna Drive and stops at rum shops. Golf Cruises: Emerald Cruises and PerryGolf plan seven-night yacht sailings featuring Royal Westmoreland and courses in Anguilla and Nevis, with space for 32 golfers per trip.

Tourism Markets: Barbados is pursuing closer tourism ties with Kenya and broader access to African travellers, including a possible partnership agreement as it builds its Nairobi presence. Island Experiences: Bathsheba is being pitched as an east-coast detour for its dramatic boulders and surf at Soup Bowl — a spot best enjoyed from shore, not for casual swimming. Local Food: The new Bajan Harvest Hub aims to link farmers with hotels and restaurants, growing local sourcing and keeping more tourism spending in Barbados. The Food and Rum Festival’s November Rum Route will spotlight rum shops, music and nightlife, while festival events are also being promoted as a gateway to hospitality careers. Travel and Stays: Emerald Cruises and PerryGolf are planning golf sailings that include Royal Westmoreland, with only 32 golfers on each trip. O2 Beach Club & Spa has appointed Natalie Gonzalez as general manager.

Hospitality Careers: Barbados’ Food and Rum Festival is being promoted as a gateway to hospitality jobs, with BHTA chief Ryan Forde urging young people to explore culinary careers, business and export opportunities. Food Tourism: A festival-season guide points visitors to local favourites beyond the main events, from roadside pork stops to everyday Bajan flavours. Local Supply: The Bajan Harvest Hub aims to link farmers with hotels, strengthen climate-resilient supply and reduce reliance on imported food as visitors seek authentic local experiences. Air Access: British Airways is adding daily Gatwick flights to Barbados, boosting direct connections from the UK. Tourism Markets: Barbados is seeking deeper tourism ties with Kenya and Africa, while the World Bank projects 2 per cent economic growth for the island in 2026 amid a more measured recovery for tourism-dependent economies.

Food and Rum Festival: Barbados’ festival is creating career pathways for young people, says Hotel and Tourism Association CEO Ryan Forde, who urged them to explore hospitality, culinary business and exports. The festival also offers visitors a chance to discover local favourites beyond the main events, from roadside pork spots to everyday Bajan food. Farm-to-Hotel Links: The new Bajan Harvest Hub aims to connect farmers with hospitality buyers, improve supply consistency and bring more local produce into hotels as visitors seek authentic food experiences. Airlift and New Markets: Barbados is building tourism ties with Kenya and promoting visa-free access for Kenyan visitors, while Air Peace’s direct Lagos service offers a new African link. British Airways is also adding daily Gatwick flights to Barbados. Hospitality Leadership: O2 Beach Club & Spa has appointed Natalie Gonzalez as general manager; she brings international cruise experience and a strong connection to Barbados.

Tourism Talent: Barbados’s Jahneil McKenzie placed third at the CTO’s Regional Tourism Youth Congress, where young delegates pitched ideas for the industry’s future. Economic Outlook: The World Bank forecasts Barbados will grow 2% in 2026, as tourism-dependent economies contend with high energy and transport costs. New Markets: Barbados is building tourism ties with Kenya, where visitors can stay visa-free for up to six months. Lack of year-round direct flights remains a hurdle, though Air Peace has launched direct service from Lagos. Local Supply: The Bajan Harvest Hub aims to connect farmers with hotels and other hospitality buyers, boosting local food supply and authentic visitor experiences. Airlift and Events: British Airways is adding daily Gatwick flights to Barbados, while the launch of the Food and Rum Festival puts the island’s culinary attractions in the spotlight.

Airlift: InterCaribbean plans daily Trinidad service ahead of Carnival, replacing its current aircraft with a larger model that adds about 50% more seats. British Airways is also adding daily Gatwick flights to Barbados. Economic Outlook: The World Bank projects Barbados will grow 2% in 2026, as tourism-dependent Caribbean economies contend with high energy and transport costs. Local Food: The Bajan Harvest Hub aims to connect farmers with hotels and other hospitality buyers, improving supply and bringing more local produce into visitor experiences. Tourism Markets: Barbados is promoting itself in Kenya and across Africa, but limited year-round air access remains a hurdle; direct Air Peace flights from Lagos offer a new connection. Hospitality: O2 Beach Club & Spa has appointed Natalie Gonzalez as general manager, bringing international cruise and luxury hotel experience to the role. Food and Rum Festival: Barbados has launched this year’s festival, with local chefs and producers set to spotlight Bajan cuisine and rum.

Regional Airlift: InterCaribbean plans to increase Trinidad service to daily flights and use larger aircraft, adding about 50% more seats ahead of Carnival and strengthening regional connectivity. Barbados Tourism Leadership: Antigua and Barbuda’s Charles “Max” Fernandez has replaced Barbados’ Ian Gooding-Edghill as CTO chair, while its tourism authority CEO takes over the board chair from BTMI’s Andrea Franklin, following Barbados’ two-year leadership. New Markets and Flights: Barbados is building tourism ties with Kenya, where travellers can visit visa-free for up to six months, though year-round air access remains a challenge. Direct Air Peace flights from Lagos offer a new connection, and British Airways is adding daily Gatwick service. Local Tourism Links: The Bajan Harvest Hub aims to connect farmers with hotels, improving supply reliability and bringing more local food into visitor experiences. Festival Season: The Barbados Food and Rum Festival’s free public launch is set for October 10, ahead of the November 5–8 event, with cooking demonstrations, food samples, mixology and Bajan music. Hospitality: O2 Beach Club & Spa has appointed Natalie Gonzalez, formerly general manager at The Sands, to lead the Barbados resort.

Local Tourism Links: Barbados’ new Bajan Harvest Hub will connect farmers with hotels and other hospitality buyers, aiming to improve local food supply and offer visitors more authentic experiences. New Markets: At the Magical Kenya Travel Expo, BTMI promoted Barbados to African travellers. Kenyans can visit visa-free for up to six months, but the lack of year-round direct flights remains a hurdle; Air Peace has launched direct service from Lagos. Regional Leadership: Antigua and Barbuda’s Charles Fernandez has succeeded Barbados’ Ian Gooding-Edghill as Caribbean Tourism Organization chair, while Antigua’s tourism authority chief takes over the board chair. Food and Culture: The Barbados Food and Rum Festival’s free public launch is set for October 10 at Stade’s Rum Visitor Centre, with cooking demonstrations, tastings, cocktails and live music ahead of the November festival. Visitor Appeal: Barbados topped Condé Nast Traveller’s 2026 Caribbean and Atlantic island rankings, while British Airways is adding daily Gatwick flights to the island.

New Markets: Barbados is courting travellers and tourism partners in Africa, with BTMI highlighting Kenya as a priority market. Kenyans can visit visa-free for up to six months, but reaching Barbados still requires connections; Air Peace’s direct Lagos service offers a new African link. Food and Rum Festival: The festival’s free public launch takes place October 10 at Stade’s Rum Visitor Centre, with food samples, cooking demonstrations, cocktails and Bajan music. The main event runs November 5–8 under the theme “Barbados Is on the Menu.” Regional Tourism: Antigua and Barbuda’s Charles Fernandez has succeeded Barbados’ Ian Gooding-Edghill as CTO chairman, as the organization focuses on workforce development, local suppliers and stronger links with other industries. Visitor Recognition: Barbados led Condé Nast Traveller’s Caribbean and Atlantic island rankings with a score of 98.16; The Sandpiper also placed third among the region’s top hotels.

Regional Tourism Leadership: Antigua and Barbuda’s Charles “Max” Fernandez has been elected CTO chairman, succeeding Barbados Minister Ian Gooding-Edghill. The organization is prioritising stronger links between tourism, local suppliers, agriculture and creative industries. Regional Mobility: Barbados and three CARICOM partners processed 939 nationals in the first year of their free-movement scheme, which allows citizens to live and work in participating countries without work permits. Barbados Rankings: The island topped Condé Nast Traveller’s 2026 Caribbean and Atlantic island list with a score of 98.16. The Sandpiper placed third among the region’s hotels, while Coral Reef Club ranked fifth. Food and Events: The Barbados Food and Rum Festival runs November 5–8, with The Navigator’s Table adding an open-fire beach barbecue and an eight-course rum-focused dinner at The Crane. Air Connectivity: Tourism Minister Ian Gooding-Edghill says increased airlift into Barbados can benefit the wider hospitality industry; travel advisors have also welcomed year-round Montréal–Barbados service.

Regional Tourism: Antigua and Barbuda’s Charles “Max” Fernandez has been elected Caribbean Tourism Organization chair, succeeding Barbados’ Ian Gooding-Edghill. Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. chief Andrea Franklin also hands over the CTO board chairmanship to Antigua and Barbuda’s Colin James. Caribbean Mobility: Barbados and three other CARICOM states say their free-movement regime is working, with 939 nationals granted indefinite stay in its first year. More Flights: British Airways adds daily London Gatwick–Barbados service from October 25, alongside year-round Heathrow flights, boosting options from a key visitor market. Tourism Minister Ian Gooding-Edghill says increased airlift can benefit the wider hospitality sector. Barbados on Top: Barbados leads Condé Nast Traveller’s 2026 Caribbean and Atlantic island rankings, scoring 98.16. The Sandpiper also ranks third among the region’s top hotels, with Coral Reef Club fifth. Food and Rum: The Navigator’s Table joins the Barbados Food and Rum Festival at The Crane, November 5–8, with an open-fire beach barbecue and an eight-course rum-focused dinner.

Regional Tourism Leadership: Barbados Tourism Minister Charles “Max” Fernandez elected CTO chairman, with priorities flagged around women and youth leadership plus better Caribbean connectivity. Airlift for Visitors: British Airways adds a new daily nonstop from London Gatwick to Grantley Adams starting Oct. 25, boosting UK access alongside existing Heathrow flights. Hospitality Spotlight: Sea Breeze Beach House in Christ Church markets an all-inclusive setup built around beach weddings, with meals, cocktails and premium drinks plus multiple dining and pool options. Top Hotel List: Condé Nast Traveller readers rank Barbados’ The Sandpiper (3rd) and Coral Reef Club (5th) among the Caribbean’s best hotels for 2026. Tourism & Sports Calendar: Barbados names its CARIFTA triathlon and aquathlon team for Oct. 23–25 in Bermuda, aiming to build on last year’s second-place finish. Travel Product News: Emerald Cruises partners with PerryGolf for Caribbean golf-and-yacht voyages that include Royal Westmoreland in Barbados. Sustainability & Innovation: Barbados moves to turn sargassum microbial discoveries into scientific, environmental and commercial opportunities. Remembering CU-455: Barbados marks the 50th anniversary of the Cubana Flight CU-455 bombing, renewing calls for solidarity and action.

Airlift Boost for Barbados: British Airways adds a new daily nonstop London Gatwick–Barbados service starting Oct. 25, 2026, running alongside its Heathrow flights and giving UK travellers more choice for the winter season. Cruise x All-Inclusive Partnership: Royal Caribbean has agreed a $3 billion deal to take a 50% stake in Sandals and Beaches Resorts, aiming to link cruise itineraries with all-inclusive stays under one partnership. Sargassum Science Push: Barbados is turning newly identified sargassum microbes into potential biotech and advanced manufacturing opportunities, with research focused on converting seaweed components into products like biofuels and chemicals. Tourism Growth Planning: Tourism Minister Ian Gooding-Edghill says more airlift will ripple through hospitality, while Barbados also moves to expand global tourism markets to support year-round demand. Barbados Open Water Festival: The 12th annual BOWF returns Nov. 4–8, with registration open and events based around Carlisle Bay for swimmers of all levels. Regional Tourism Context: The Dominican Republic tops the Caribbean in the WEF Travel & Tourism Development Index 2026, highlighting how policy and infrastructure matter beyond visitor numbers.

British Airways Airlift Boost: BA will add a new daily nonstop London Gatwick–Barbados service from Oct 25, 2026, running alongside its year-round Heathrow flights—giving UK travellers more choice and capacity for the winter season. Barbados Tourism Push: Tourism Minister Ian Gooding-Edghill says Barbados is working to expand global markets to help shift the island from seasonal demand toward year-round travel, with meetings already in motion and plans to attend an African trade show. Barbados Open Water Festival: The 12th annual Barbados Open Water Festival (Nov 4–8) is gearing up to welcome hundreds of swimmers, with registration open and Carlisle Bay set as the main hub for practice and races. Regional Connectivity Watch: Caribbean Airlines announced new/returning routes—Tobago–Toronto nonstop from Oct 25 and resumption of Trinidad–Caracas from Oct 31—aimed at strengthening tourism and business links. CCJ on the Move: The Caribbean Court of Justice will hold itinerant sittings in Saint Lucia on Oct 7–8, the first time the country hosts the court, supporting easier access for citizens and legal teams. Road Safety Appeal: A family in St David’s is calling for speed limits and more cameras after the death of 4-year-old Xavio Trotman in a collision. Culture & Events: Gombey Festival 2026 kicks off in Bermuda’s Botanical Gardens, spotlighting the tradition’s history and community roots.

Airlift & markets: Barbados is pushing to expand its global tourism reach and move toward year-round demand, with Minister Ian Gooding-Edghill pointing to new market development meetings and attendance at an upcoming African trade show. Festival buzz: The 12th annual Barbados Open Water Festival (Nov 4–8) is gearing up, with registration open and Carlisle Bay set to host practice swims and races for hundreds of athletes across multiple distances. Regional legal access: The Caribbean Court of Justice will hold its first-ever itinerant sittings in Saint Lucia on Oct 7–8, bringing court proceedings closer to citizens via livestream. Aviation connectivity: Caribbean Airlines says it will resume Trinidad–Caracas flights from Oct 31 and launch a weekly Tobago–Toronto non-stop from Oct 25, boosting winter travel options. Safety & streets: Barbados police are investigating a fatal St David’s collision involving a child pedestrian, while calls for speed limits and more cameras echo after the tragedy. Tourism policy: Barbados’ tourism minister Edmund Bartlett is urging a Caribbean Tourism Agricultural Logistics Centre to better link farmers and agro-processors with tourism demand. Culture: Gombey Festival returns with troupes celebrating Bermuda’s living tradition of dance, music, and heritage.