AGP Executive Report

Barbados Tourism Surge: Minister of Tourism Ian Gooding-Edghill says Barbados is on track to match or beat last year’s record season, citing 727,310 long-stay visitors and 817,950 cruise arrivals, with 2026 already off to a strong start and winter cruise projections up 22% to 800,000+ guests. Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2027: Barbados has been named host destination for the 45th Caribbean Travel Marketplace (May 18–21, 2027), a major B2B event linking global buyers with regional tourism suppliers. New All-Inclusive Opening: Royalton Vessence Barbados (adult-oriented, Autograph Collection) has opened on the Platinum Coast, aiming for a more destination-led all-inclusive experience. Regional Cruise Port Move: Global Ports Holding is in exclusive talks to manage and develop St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ Kingstown cruise port under a concession, with plans for modernisation and bigger ships. Transport & Visitor Safety: Uber says it works only with licensed taxi drivers and follows official fare rates, as concerns continue about ride-hailing’s impact on the local transport economy. Infrastructure Watch: A veteran engineer warns Barbados’ drainage problems are worsening road deterioration and flood risk, calling for a drainage network overhaul. Local Industry Events: Barbados Jazz Excursion and Golf Weekend (Oct 8–12) is set to draw high-value visitors and grow the island’s experiential tourism brand.

Cruise Growth Deal: Global Ports Holding has signed an MoU with St. Vincent and the Grenadines to enter exclusive talks to manage and develop the SVG Cruise Port under a 30-year concession, with up to EC$250m planned for phased upgrades to Kingstown and the Grenadines—aimed at bigger ships and better shore excursions. Barbados Tourism Spotlight: Barbados has been named host destination for the 2027 Caribbean Travel Marketplace (CTM), the region’s key B2B tourism event, marking the 45th edition and set for May 18–21, 2027. New Resort Opening: Royalton Vessence Barbados has opened as an adult-oriented, all-inclusive Autograph Collection property on the Platinum Coast, debuting the brand’s destination-led concept. Transport & Visitor Safety: A warning from CG United’s Randy Graham says privately insured vehicles used to carry paying passengers won’t be covered in crashes—fueling calls to crack down on illegal “pirate” drivers. Digital Payments Boost: Barbados launched BiMPay, a national instant payments platform enabling real-time transfers 24/7, a move that supports faster business and vendor payments. Local Infrastructure Concern: A veteran engineer is urging a drainage network overhaul, linking poor stormwater systems to road deterioration and flooding risks. Tourism Culture & Events: Barbados Jazz Excursion and Golf Weekend is set to return Oct 8–12, with organisers highlighting its growing international pull.

Instant Payments: Barbados’ Central Bank has launched BiMPay, a national real-time payments platform that lets people and businesses send and receive money 24/7, replacing transfers that could take hours or days. Cruise Growth Watch: St. Vincent and the Grenadines is in talks with Global Ports Holding to modernise its cruise port, aiming for bigger ships and more shore excursions. Tourism Industry: Barbados has been named host destination for the 2027 Caribbean Travel Marketplace (CTM), the region’s key B2B tourism event, marking the 45th edition. New Resort Opening: Royalton Vessence Barbados has opened as an adult-oriented, all-inclusive resort on the Platinum Coast. Transport Debate: Uber says it works with licensed taxi drivers in Barbados and follows official fare rates, responding to concerns about competition and livelihoods. Infrastructure & Safety: A veteran engineer warns Barbados’ drainage problems worsen road deterioration and flood risk, calling for a drainage network overhaul. Culture & Brand: The Barbados Jazz Excursion and Golf Weekend is set for Oct 8–12, highlighting experiential tourism and international reach.

Barbados Tourism Spotlight: Barbados has been named host destination for the 2027 Caribbean Travel Marketplace (CTM), the region’s top B2B tourism event, marking the 45th edition and bringing global buyers to the island in May 2027. New Resort Opening: Royalton Vessence Barbados has opened on the Platinum Coast as an adult-oriented, destination-led all-inclusive, with first guests now arriving. Transport Debate: Uber is defending its Barbados ride-hailing model, saying it partners only with licensed taxi drivers and follows official Transport Authority fares amid taxi earnings and competition concerns. Infrastructure & Resilience: A veteran engineer is calling for a drainage network overhaul, warning poor stormwater systems are driving road deterioration and increasing flood risk. Tourism Industry Partnerships: CTO and TEMPO Networks have announced a strategic partnership to boost Caribbean tourism storytelling through expanded digital, social and broadcast coverage. Cruise & Ports (Regional): Global Ports Holding is in talks to manage and expand the St. Vincent and the Grenadines cruise port, aiming for bigger ships and more shore excursions. Culture & Events: Barbados Jazz Excursion and Golf Weekend continues to build momentum ahead of October 8–12, highlighting experiential tourism and international reach.

New Resort Opening: Royalton Vessence Barbados has officially opened as an adult-oriented, destination-led all-inclusive on the Platinum Coast, with first guests now arriving near Holetown and about 30 minutes from Grantley Adams International. Regional Tourism Business: Barbados has been named host destination for Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2027 (May 18–21), the region’s key B2B tourism event, marking the 45th edition and positioning the island as a major trade hub. Industry Collaboration: CTO and TEMPO Networks have launched a strategic partnership to boost Caribbean tourism storytelling through expanded digital, social and broadcast coverage tied to CTO initiatives. Visa Shock for Tourism Leadership: The newly elected CHTA president Gregor Nassief has reportedly been denied a US visa renewal, raising concerns about wider Caribbean travel and investment access. Tourism Product & Culture: The Barbados Jazz Excursion and Golf Weekend is set for Oct 8–12, with organisers highlighting its growing international pull and experiential tourism value. Tourism Policy Watch: Parliament is expected soon to deliberate on the controversial sale of the Holetown Civic Centre beachfront site, with a new facility planned at Trents, St James. Tech & Travel: Future Caribbean has launched a global agentic AI buildathon with a Tourism & Transportation track, aiming to spur Caribbean tech growth and global connections.

Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2027: Barbados has been named host destination for the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association’s Caribbean Travel Marketplace (CTM) 2027, set for May 18–21, 2027, marking the event’s 45th edition and bringing global buyers and regional suppliers together for pre-scheduled business meetings. Visa pressure on tourism leadership: The newly elected CHTA president, Gregor Nassief, has been denied a US visa renewal, raising fresh concerns about how tighter US travel rules tied to citizenship-by-investment and vetting could affect Caribbean tourism operations and representation. Barbados tourism brand push: BTMI is spotlighting the island’s experiential appeal through the 10th Barbados Jazz Excursion and Golf Weekend (Oct 8–12), positioning it as a culture-and-hospitality draw with growing international reach. Local governance and tourism-facing property: Parliament is expected soon to deliberate on the controversial sale of the Holetown Civic Centre beachfront site, alongside plans for a new facility at Trents, St James—an issue that’s already sparked public opposition. Tech for tourism growth: Future Caribbean has launched a global agentic AI buildathon with a Tourism & Transportation track, aiming to back Caribbean-born tech teams and connect them to global markets. Travel demand snapshot: UK travel agencies report strong last-week trading as late bookings pick up, with June and July departures showing notable year-on-year growth.

Caribbean Tourism Business: Barbados has been named host destination for the Caribbean Travel Marketplace (CTM) 2027, set for May 18–21, marking the event’s 45th edition and bringing global buyers and Caribbean suppliers together for pre-scheduled meetings. CHTA Visa Shock: The newly elected CHTA president, Gregor Nassief, has been denied a US visa renewal, sparking wider concern across the region about tighter US travel rules tied to citizenship-by-investment screening. Tourism Demand Pulse: Travel agencies report a strong week of trading as late bookings intensify, with June departures up sharply and demand for 2027 described as solid. Tourism Brand & Culture: The Barbados Jazz Excursion and Golf Weekend is set to return Oct 8–12, with organisers pitching it as a high-value experiential draw that blends culture and hospitality. Heritage Warning: A leading Barbadian architecture expert says preservation of historic buildings is in an “unprecedented crisis,” calling out years of stalled political will. Local Youth Spotlight: Scotiabank Junior Monarch semifinalists received their performance positions, setting up the next stage of the island’s youth calypso and soca competition.

Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2027: Barbados has been selected to host the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association’s Caribbean Travel Marketplace (CTM) 2027 in Bridgetown from May 18–21, marking the event’s 45th edition and bringing global buyers and Caribbean suppliers together for pre-scheduled business meetings. US Visa Pressure on Tourism Leaders: Dominican-born hotelier Gregor Nassief, newly elected to lead the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association, says his US visa renewal was denied—an issue linked to Washington’s tightening around citizenship-by-investment screening, with ripple effects for regional tourism access and representation. Barbados Tourism Outlook Amid Energy Shock: Fitch and the Caribbean Development Bank warn Barbados and other tourism-dependent economies could face longer, tougher impacts from the Middle East energy and price shock, including higher inflation and slower growth. Cruise Sector Tension: Jamaica’s tourism opposition claims cruise passenger arrivals have fallen sharply since 2019, arguing the sector needs urgent attention as global cruise demand rises. Sustainability & Investment in Barbados: IDB Invest held Sustainability Week 2026 in Bridgetown, highlighting plans to mobilise capital at scale, including support for Bridgetown Port modernisation and sustainable tourism projects. Local Tourism & Culture Picks: Public voting opens today for the Caribbean Music Awards (over 250 nominees), while St. Kitts and Nevis gears up for FRO Fest 2026 on June 20—culture, beauty, fashion and regional small-business showcases.

CHTA Visa Pressure on Caribbean Tourism: Dominican-born hotelier Gregor Nassief, newly elected head of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association, says his US visa renewal was denied for him and his wife—an access warning for a region that relies on travel, investment and airlift. Barbados Tourism Leadership Spotlight: Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. CEO Andrea Franklin was named CTO Director of Tourism of the Year 2026, while BVI’s Luce Hodge-Smith won Minister/Commissioner of Tourism of the Year during Caribbean Week in New York. Port Modernisation & Digitalisation: Barbados Port Inc. chair Ian Gooding-Edghill backed faster, smarter port systems, saying AI can improve planning, cargo movement and safety—if governance and people-centred readiness keep up. Cruise Market Concern (Jamaica): Opposition tourism spokesperson Andrea Purkiss warned Jamaica’s cruise passenger numbers have fallen about 28% since 2019, calling for urgent action to regain market share. Maritime Skills for Locals: Barbados Community College launched online maritime courses, including Maritime Journalism and Law of the Sea & Blue Economy, to feed expected job growth in the sector. St. Kitts Festival for Visitors: FRO Fest 2026 returns June 20 at National Heroes Park with a “Sunflower & Curls” beauty, culture and small-business marketplace aimed at both tourists and locals. Community Volunteering Push: CIBC Caribbean’s 2026 Unsung Heroes programme invites nominations of volunteers improving communities across Trinidad and Tobago. Travel Safety Alerts: Trinidad and Tobago advised citizens to avoid Ebola-hit countries and use extreme caution in other high-risk areas.

Barbados Tourism Outlook: Fitch and CDB economists warn the Middle East oil-price shock could hit Barbados harder than expected, with higher prices and slower growth likely to linger in tourism-dependent economies. Regional Tourism Leadership: Barbados Tourism Marketing CEO Andrea Franklin and BVI tourism junior minister Luce Hodge-Smith won top CTO Women in Tourism Leadership awards in New York, spotlighting women driving Caribbean destination growth. Cruise Sector Pressure: Jamaica’s tourism opposition says cruise passenger numbers are down sharply since 2019, arguing the sector needs urgent action—an issue Caribbean ports will be watching closely. Port Modernisation: Barbados Port Inc. is pushing digitalisation and AI for safer, more efficient, more sustainable port operations as it chairs a major ports meeting in Bridgetown. Sustainable Investment Push: IDB Invest’s Sustainability Week 2026 in Bridgetown highlighted scaling capital for resilience and tourism-linked projects, including support for Bridgetown Port modernisation. What’s On: St Kitts and Nevis’ FRO Fest 2026 returns June 20 at National Heroes Park with a “Sunflower & Curls” beauty, culture and marketplace lineup. Training for Tourism Jobs: Barbados Community College launches online maritime courses (Maritime Journalism; Law of the Sea and Blue Economy) to build regional-ready skills. Diaspora Travel Boost: Grenada Diaspora Homecoming 2026 runs June 21–July 5 with cultural events and added flights from key markets.

Cruise Demand Watch: Jamaica’s tourism opposition says cruise passenger arrivals have fallen 28.4% since 2019, warning of a major visitor shortfall and lost spending opportunities for ports and operators. Port Tech & Resilience: Barbados Port Inc. is chairing a regional ports meeting in Bridgetown, with Minister Ian Gooding-Edghill pushing digitalisation and AI for safer, more efficient, more resilient port operations. Regional Tourism Leadership: Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. CEO Andrea Franklin and Virgin Islands tourism minister Luce Hodge-Smith were honoured at the CTO’s Caribbean Women in Tourism Leadership Awards during Caribbean Week in New York. Caribbean Tourism Policy: CTO leaders launched a “Tourism Supply Side Initiative” aimed at building local capacity and creating more long-term value from tourism growth. Maritime Training: Barbados Community College rolled out new online maritime courses (“Maritime Journalism” and “Law of the Sea and Blue Economy”) to prepare locals for expanding sea-industry roles. Culture & Events: Barbados’ Big Show marks 20 years as Crop Over ramps up, with a full cast and major shows planned. Hilton Expansion: The Diplomat Beach Resort in Florida is transforming into a Signia by Hilton, with new openings also flagged in Savannah and Raleigh. Advisor Tips for Sandals/Beaches: A travel advisor urges couples to ask practical questions before booking, focusing on real resort knowledge and support—not just credentials.

Regional Ports & Tech: Barbados Port Inc. chair Ian Gooding-Edghill opened the Inter-American Committee on Ports meeting, stressing that digitalisation and AI are key for safer, more efficient, people-centred ports. Tourism Leadership Awards: Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. chair Andrea Franklin was named CTO Director of Tourism of the Year, while Virgin Islands’ Luce Hodge-Smith took Minister/Commissioner of Tourism of the Year at Caribbean Women in Tourism Leadership Awards in New York. CHTA Visa Shock: Incoming CHTA president Gregor Nassief says U.S. visa renewal denials could ripple across Caribbean tourism and business, after he and his wife were affected while renewing visas in Barbados. Caribbean Tourism Strategy: CTO launched a Tourism Supply Side Initiative, with support from PM Terrance Drew, aiming to build local capacity and boost long-term value from tourism growth. Barbados Culture & Heritage: De Big Show marks 20 years, and Barbados is also moving to preserve the childhood homes of cricket legends Sir Garfield Sobers and Sir Frank Worrell as permanent heritage sites. Maritime Training: Barbados Community College rolled out new online maritime courses—Maritime Journalism and Law of the Sea and Blue Economy—under a regional employment programme. Travel Planning Tips: Rivage Travel’s Jonathan Patton urges Sandals/Beaches travellers to ask practical questions about real resort knowledge, not just certifications, before booking an advisor. Diaspora Travel Push: Grenada Diaspora Homecoming 2026 runs June 21–July 5 with cultural and business events, and airlines adding flights from major markets including the U.S., Canada and the U.K.

Ports & Tech: Barbados Port Inc. chair Ian Gooding-Edghill says digitalisation is now essential for competitive, secure and sustainable ports, with AI boosting planning, cargo movement and safety—while stressing people-centred governance and workforce training. Maritime Skills: Barbados Community College launches new online maritime courses—Maritime Journalism and Law of the Sea and Blue Economy—under the National Maritime Training and Employment Programme, with regional interest already coming in. Tourism Leadership & Policy: CTO honours Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. chair Andrea Franklin as Director of Tourism of the Year, while Virgin Islands’ Luce Hodge-Smith takes Minister/Commissioner of Tourism of the Year; meanwhile, CTO’s Tourism Supply Side Initiative gets backing from regional leaders including PM Terrance Drew, pushing resilience and inclusion beyond growth. Regional Airlift: New airline interline partnerships (Winair/Contour and LIAT Air/Air Caraïbes) aim to make island-hopping less painful by improving connections and reducing duplicate travel hassles. Barbados Culture: De Big Show marks 20 years with a packed Pic-O-De-Crop cast and dates set for the big tent at Queen’s College, Husbands, St James. Food & Fun: A Barbados rum punch spot, Cutters, is spotlighted as a must-try stop for visitors chasing the island’s signature flavour. Cruise Lifestyle: A first-time cruiser shares what she loved about sailing with Seabourn, from destination-inspired dining to onboard “all-inclusive” indulgence.

Tourism Supply Side Push: Prime Minister Terrance Drew backed the Caribbean Tourism Organisation’s new Tourism Supply Side Initiative, with CTO chair Ian Gooding-Edghill and Jamaica’s Edmund Bartlett set to lead a ministerial committee focused on local capacity and longer-term value for the region’s tourism growth. Regional Recognition: Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. CEO Andrea Franklin was named CTO Director of Tourism of the Year, while Virgin Islands junior minister Luce Hodge-Smith took Minister/Commissioner of Tourism of the Year at Caribbean Week in New York. U.S. Visa Shock for Industry: Incoming CHTA president-elect Gregor Nassief says U.S. visa renewal denials for Dominicans and Barbadians signal wider travel uncertainty for Caribbean tourism, families and business links. Aviation Connectivity Boost: New interline agreements involving LIAT Air and Air Caraïbes (plus other regional partners) aim to reduce fragmented Caribbean airlift and make island-hopping smoother. Skills for Maritime Jobs: Barbados Community College launched online maritime courses—Maritime Journalism and Law of the Sea and Blue Economy—through the National Maritime Training and Employment Programme. Culture & Events: De Big Show marks 20 years, while Barbados’ Oistins Comes to Brooklyn drew 15,000+ for food, music and Bajan culture in New York. Local Heritage Spotlight: Government plans to preserve the childhood homes of cricket legends Sir Garfield Sobers and Sir Frank Worrell as permanent heritage sites.

Caribbean Tourism Awards: Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. CEO Andrea Franklin was named CTO Director of Tourism of the Year 2026, while BVI’s Luce Hodge-Smith took Minister/Commissioner of Tourism of the Year at the Caribbean Women in Tourism Leadership Awards during Caribbean Week in New York. Regional Tourism Recognition: Petra Roach was inducted into the inaugural CTO Hall of Fame, and other Barbadians were honoured for contributions to regional tourism. Airlift Boost: New interline partnerships (including Winair–Contour and LIAT Air–Air Caraïbes) aim to reduce fragmented Caribbean travel by enabling smoother single-itinerary journeys and easier connections. Barbados Culture & Events: The Big Show celebrates its 20th year for Crop Over, with a roster of 25 artistes for 2026. Diaspora Tourism Push: BTMI’s Oistins Comes to Brooklyn drew 15,000+ attendees for a full day of Bajan food, music, fashion and giveaways. New Stay on the South Coast: Turtle Beach Barbados opens with 161 rooms, adding fresh accommodation capacity for visitors. Cruise Deal Watch: P&O Cruises launched Caribbean fly-cruise promos with up to £500 onboard spending money and low deposits, including sailings starting in Bridgetown.

Cruise Deals for the Region: P&O Cruises has launched Caribbean fly-cruise promos with up to £500 extra onboard spending money and low deposits from £49, for select sailings departing late 2026 through early 2028. New Barbados Hotel Opening: Turtle Beach, Barbados (A Tribute Portfolio All-Inclusive) has opened on the South Coast with 161 rooms, adding fresh all-inclusive capacity for beach-break travellers. Barbados in the Diaspora Spotlight: Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI) drew an estimated 15,000 to “Oistins Comes to Brooklyn” in New York for a second year, with Bajan food, music, fashion and prize giveaways. Regional Airlift Push: New interline partnerships (including LIAT Air and Air Caraïbes) aim to make multi-island Caribbean travel smoother with single-ticket options and fewer hassles. Tourism Leadership Recognition: Petra Roach was inducted into the inaugural CTO Hall of Fame during Caribbean Week in New York, while BTMI leaders also received CTO awards for regional tourism service. Heritage for Cricket Legends: Residents in St Michael celebrated plans to preserve the childhood homes of Sir Garfield Sobers and Sir Frank Worrell as permanent heritage sites. Local Food Find: A Barbados roadside favourite, Cutters, is being praised for its “#1 rum punch in Barbados” and standout flying fish cutter.