AGP Executive Report

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.

Caribbean Media Spotlight: The CTO honoured Caribbean storytellers at the Caribbean Media Awards Luncheon in New York and launched CTO TV, a new video platform starting with 700+ clips to boost authentic tourism coverage beyond beaches and resorts. Barbados Recognition: Barbadian tourism leader Petra Roach was inducted into the inaugural CTO Hall of Fame during Caribbean Week, while BTMI CEO Andrea Franklin and BTMI Canada director Eusi Skeete also received CTO awards for regional tourism contributions. Tourism Policy Push: CTO unveiled its Tourism Supply Side Initiative in New York, aiming to make tourism deliver more value for Caribbean people and businesses through stronger local capacity and economic retention. Connectivity for Travellers: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes signed an interline agreement for single-ticket, single-purchase travel across combined networks, including routes linking Barbados and the wider region to Europe. New Hotel Openings: Turtle Beach Barbados (Tribute Portfolio All-Inclusive) opened on the South Coast with 161 rooms, adding fresh all-inclusive capacity for beach-break visitors. Local Travel Culture: BTMI’s Oistins Comes to Brooklyn drew an estimated 15,000 people for a second straight year, bringing Bajan food, music and prizes to the diaspora in New York.

Diaspora Tourism Boost: BTMI’s “Oistins Comes to Brooklyn” drew 15,000+ for a second straight year in New York, with Bajan food, music, fashion and prize chances for a trip home. New Hotel Openings: Turtle Beach, Barbados (Marriott Tribute Portfolio) has opened on the South Coast with 161 all-inclusive rooms, adding fresh capacity for beach-break travellers. Air Connectivity: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes signed an interline deal for single-ticket, through-booking travel across combined networks, including Barbados, with baggage checked through. Industry Policy Push: CTO launched its Tourism Supply Side Initiative in New York, aiming to keep more value in the region and strengthen resilience and local participation in tourism. Caribbean Week Recognition: CTO honoured media creators at the Caribbean Media Awards, while Barbadian tourism leaders Andrea Franklin and Eusi Skeete received regional recognition. Practical Travel Note: Cruise rules can vary by departure port—passport requirements may differ for round-trip cruises from Puerto Rico, even when other closed-loop routes don’t. Sustainability & Resilience: Barbados faces out-of-season coastal erosion linked to unusual freshwater surges, raising pressure on coastal protection and climate preparedness.

New 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 visitors. Regional Air Connectivity: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes signed an interline agreement for single-ticket, single-purchase travel across combined networks, with through-checked baggage and easier multi-island itineraries. Tourism Strategy Push: The Caribbean Tourism Organisation launched its Tourism Supply Side Initiative in New York, aiming to boost economic retention, resilience, and local value from tourism. Caribbean Week in New York: CTO and CHTA leaders gathered for Caribbean Week, including Barbadian tourism executives Andrea Franklin and Eusi Skeete being honoured, and Petra Roach inducted into the inaugural CTO Hall of Fame. Local Industry Readiness: Barbados fisheries officials tested hurricane readiness with a boat relocation drill, while BLPC flagged rising power costs tied to added generation capacity driven by tourism and demand growth. Coastal Watch: Unseasonal erosion is intensifying as unusual freshwater surges from South America raise sea levels around Barbados.

Regional Tourism Recognition: Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. CEO Andrea Franklin and BTMI Canada director Eusi Skeete were honoured by the Caribbean Tourism Organisation for their leadership during Caribbean Week in New York. Air Connectivity Boost: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes signed an interline agreement for single-ticket, seamless travel across their combined networks, with baggage checked through and no need for separate tickets—already in effect from June 1. Caribbean Tourism Strategy: The CTO launched its Tourism Supply Side Initiative, aiming to strengthen resilience and increase local economic retention, with Barbados Tourism Minister Ian Gooding-Edghill and Jamaica’s Edmund Bartlett among key figures. Power Costs for Tourism Growth: Barbados Light & Power says it’s paying about $700,000 monthly for temporary generation, with costs set to rise to around $900,000 after more capacity is added—citing rising demand tied to tourism and development. Coastal Erosion Watch: Unseasonal erosion is worsening as unusual freshwater surges from South America raise sea levels around Barbados, threatening popular beaches like Worthing. Tourism & Trade Tech: Mastercard says it’s preparing for agentic AI in payments, while Hilton highlights human leadership as key to staff engagement. Safety & Preparedness: Fisheries officials tested hurricane readiness by relocating vessels, stressing coordinated protocols after Hurricane Beryl.

Caribbean Tourism Push: CTO and Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association rolled out fresh regional initiatives, including a new digital platform (CTO TV), as tourism leaders gathered in New York for Caribbean Week 2026 and Barbados Minister of Tourism Ian Gooding-Edghill flagged continued growth momentum. Hurricane Readiness for Fisherfolk: Barbados fisheries officials tested hurricane response by relocating the fishing fleet, aiming to avoid a repeat of Hurricane Beryl losses and stressing coordinated, practical drills. Coastal Erosion Watch: Unseasonal shoreline erosion is worsening as unusual “green water” freshwater surges from South America raise sea levels around Barbados, threatening popular beaches like Worthing. New Luxury Opening in Barbados: Royalton Vessence Barbados soft-opened with a focus on Bajan culture, art and talent, positioning the resort as a major new draw for group travel and North American demand. Travel Safety & Customs: Cruise guidance is reminding travellers that local port customs can affect what you wear on shore, including swimsuit rules in some destinations. Tourism Governance Update: Turks and Caicos passed a Tourism Authority Bill to modernise destination marketing and long-term planning. On-Island Crime Linked to Resorts: A Wyndham Grand Barbados Sam Lord’s Castle guest was charged after a housekeeper found cocaine in a bathroom, leading to guilty pleas and fines.

New Hotel Opening: Royalton Vessence Barbados officially debuts on the Platinum Coast, pitching a higher-end, experience-led all-inclusive with wellness, culture, and standout dining—plus swim-out suites and a new Vessence brand for the island. Tourism Strategy in the Region: Caribbean Week in New York 2026 brings ministers and tourism leaders together under “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences,” with Barbados among the delegations as the region pushes cultural and regenerative travel and connectivity. Air Connectivity Boost: LIAT and Air Caraïbes sign interline agreements to make Caribbean travel easier, while Barbados and Antigua are also flagged as gateways via new Africa links. Caribbean Mobility Move: Barbados and Guyana’s deal allowing travel with national ID cards (starting July) is framed as a practical step for Caricom-style free movement. Local Travel Safety/Enforcement: A tourist at Wyndham Grand Barbados Sam Lord’s Castle Resort was charged after a housekeeper found cocaine in his room, leading to guilty pleas and fines. Caribbean Tourism Marketing: St. Kitts and Nevis launches “Explore St. Kitts and Nevis,” using major airline promotions with “Explore, Live and Invest” to attract travellers and investors. Industry Pressure: Barbados insurers warn motor claims are outpacing premiums, pointing to careless driving, distracted motorists, and uninsured drivers.

Royalton Vessence Barbados Opening: Royalton has officially welcomed its first guests at Royalton Vessence Barbados on the Platinum Coast, launching its adult-oriented Vessence concept with 220 suites, swim-out options, Butler service tiers, and a heavy focus on dining and immersive Bajan culture. Air Connectivity Boost: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes signed an interline agreement so travellers can book on one ticket with checked baggage through to the final destination, linking Barbados and the wider region to Paris-Orly. Caribbean Week in New York: CTO’s Caribbean Week 2026 kicked off under “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences,” with ministers and tourism leaders meeting to push connectivity, resilience, and experience-led travel. Regional Tourism Demand: CTO says 2025 delivered growth (2.5% up on 2024) and cruise visits are strong, with cautious optimism for 2026. Barbados–Africa Link: Barbados Ambassador David Comissiong says the new Lagos–Barbados direct air service strengthens Barbados and Antigua as gateways between Africa and the Caribbean. On-Island Safety: A hotel housekeeper helped lead to the arrest of an American guest at Wyndham Grand Barbados Sam Lord’s Castle Resort after cocaine was found in his room.