All accommodation offered to visitors in Barbados will soon be required to be licensed, registered and inspected.
This is the mandate under the Tourist Accommodation Bill, 2025, which was introduced in the House of Assembly recently by Minister of Tourism Ian Gooding-Edghill.
The legislation makes it an offence to operate or advertise short-term rentals without approval. Gooding-Edghill said this long overdue measure was critical to protecting Barbados’ reputation as a leading tourism destination and to ensuring that every property offering rooms to visitors meets minimum health, safety and service standards.
“Only hotels, apartments and guest houses are currently registered, inspected and licensed, but the sector has become far more diverse,” he said.
“We now have Airbnb, Vrbo, HomeStay and other online platforms. If persons are going to be offering vacation rentals, it is absolutely necessary that they are licensed.”
Those who breach the law face a maximum fine of $250 000, but the Minister stressed this figure represented the upper limit rather than a mandatory penalty. Citing the Interpretation Act, he explained that courts retain the discretion to impose no fine, a smaller fine or imprisonment, depending on the circumstances.
“I want to make it clear so that those who may wish to create mischief understand the law. The $250 000 is the ceiling, not a blanket penalty, but what we cannot allow is behaviour that compromises health, safety and ultimately the Barbados brand.”
The Bill is divided into six parts and addresses licensing procedures, classification systems, inspections and monitoring. Licences will now be valid for two years instead of one, reducing the administrative burden, and operators will be required to display their licence, employ trained staff, issue itemised invoices and maintain proper records of guests. Tourist accommodations will also be required to establish multi-hazard management plans, display emergency numbers, and keep reports of accidents and complaints.
Among the most notable changes is a requirement that all new or renovated properties be universally accessible to people with disabilities. Existing establishments will be given up to five years to comply or may apply for an exemption where adaptation is impracticable.
“The disabled community cannot be left behind,” Gooding-Edghill said. “This sends a very clear message that Barbados is serious about treating all visitors with dignity and inclusivity.”
The legislation also introduces a classification system, requiring properties to declare their category – whether by stars, diamonds, or other standards – so visitors can make informed choices based on budget and expectations.
“When you have a classification, you are telling prospective customers what product is on offer,” the Minister said. “It provides clarity and transparency for the customer while holding the operator to a defined standard.”
He noted that the new framework balances regulation with fairness. Inspections will be announced in advance, operators who fall short will be given warnings and opportunities to rectify deficiencies, and only persistent non-compliance will lead to suspension or revocation of licences.
“We have built into this bill a system of natural justice. No one will be shut down without due process,”
he said.
To improve efficiency, the Ministry of Tourism has also rolled out an online application portal, allowing property owners to submit documents and track applications digitally. “This is part of our charge to deconstruct and reconstruct systems for greater efficiency,” Gooding-Edghill added.
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