A top official of the Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA) is calling for reform of the sector’s outdated and inefficient licensing system, warning that it is undermining competitiveness, frustrating operators, and slowing upgrades.
Speaking at the association’s third quarterly meeting at Hayman’s Market in St Peter, chairman Javon Griffith described the system as “fragmented, slow, and outdated” and said it was time for the government to modernise.
He said: “Today, every hotel, every restaurant, and every tourism operator is required to renew licences through a process that is fragmented, slow, and outdated. Instead of a system that supports efficiency, we face one that forces inspections and renewals to cluster at fixed periods. This often results in businesses descending on polyclinics all at once, a situation that is not only impractical but also highly inefficient.
“Managers, instead of focusing on guests and investment, spend valuable time repeating paperwork across multiple agencies – tourism, health, fire service and the Barbados Revenue Authority. The result? Delays, frustration, and missed opportunities. This archaic system discourages compliance, slows down upgrades, and undermines the very competitiveness of Barbados’ tourism industry.”
Griffith acknowledged that licensing was essential for safety and standards, but insisted the framework must be modernised: “Modern systems elsewhere have already adopted a more efficient approach – rolling anniversaries, digital portals and risk-based inspections. These reforms are proven, practical, and low-cost to implement. There is no reason why Barbados should not be leading the way.”
The BHTA leader proposed four key reforms: “First, we must make all tourism licences valid for 12 months from the date of issue. That single change immediately eliminates the outdated January rush. Second, we must upgrade the existing digital portal into a true one-stop shop for applications, renewals and fee payments. Third, inspections should be scheduled year-round based on risk level and compliance history, not arbitrary calendar dates. And finally, licences should be issued in the form of e-certificates that can be verified instantly online or by QR code.”
Griffith said the benefits were “clear and compelling”. “It will eliminate bottlenecks at clinics and inspection centres. It will save operators time, reduce stress and encourage higher compliance. It will allow environmental health officers and other inspectors to focus their attention and resources where they are needed most. And it will give both investors and operators greater certainty and predictability, strengthening confidence in Barbados as a modern, business-friendly jurisdiction.”
The association also used the meeting to reassure stakeholders on crime and safety, noting that while wider community concerns persisted, Barbados continued to be regarded as one of the safest destinations in the Caribbean.
“Barbados continues to be regarded as one of the safest and most welcoming destinations in the region. While violent crime in the wider community has shown some increases, there has been no significant rise in incidents directly affecting visitors.
He acknowledged the impact of the UK’s mid-2025 travel advisory but stressed that confidence in the destination remained strong.
“The UK’s updated travel advisory in mid-2025, which encouraged travellers to exercise additional caution following reports of violence and carjackings, prompted immediate engagement from both the BHTA and the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI),” he said. “Crucially, there has been no recorded decline in forward bookings from the UK as of August 2025, a clear indicator of continued market confidence in the Barbados tourism product.”
The association has been working closely with The Barbados Police Service and BTMI on strengthening preventive strategies, including contributions towards new equipment, technology and joint safety initiatives.
Griffith said: “At the property level, BHTA members continue to prioritise guest safety through regular guidance on best practices, as well as ongoing investments in upgraded security infrastructure, ranging from improved lighting and surveillance systems to enhanced staff training and emergency protocols.”
He added that Barbados’ reputation remained strong internationally. “In the Caribbean Safe Travel Index 2025, Barbados ranked within the top ten destinations for visitor safety, emergency healthcare, and hurricane resilience. This independent recognition underscores the island’s robust safety environment and serves as a powerful reassurance to visitors and global partners alike.”
Griffith also raised fresh concerns about the car rental levy due to take effect on 1 October, warning it could damage the industry.
He said: “The BHTA fully supports the principle of environmental sustainability. Protecting our coastlines is not optional; it is a necessity. But we must also recognise when a well-intentioned policy risks creating unintended damage.
“At $10 per day, this levy threatens to price visitors out of car rentals, especially long-stay guests. Worse yet, the levy risks fuelling the underground market of unlicensed operators, undermining both safety and government revenues.”
As alternatives, he proposed that the rate be replaced with a single flat fee per contract, reduced to $5 per day, or exempt long-stay visitors.
sheriabrathwaite@barbadostoday.bb
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