Barbados’ tourism is entering 2026 with record momentum, as hotels across the island report near-full occupancy and strong forward bookings for the winter season, signalling renewed confidence in one of the country’s key economic sectors.
Some hotels are reporting 90 to 100 per cent occupancy already for the 2025–26 season, according to Javon Griffith, chair of the Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA), speaking at the cusp of the New Year celebrations.
“Our BHTA members are reporting occupancies in the high 90 per cent range, with a number of properties already at 100 per cent and strong performance projected straight through to the first week of January.”
He described this as an extraordinary start to the season and a clear indication of increased business activity across the industry.
“Barbados is enjoying an exceptionally strong start to the 2025–26 winter season, and the energy is palpable right across the island. From consistently high hotel occupancies to restaurants operating at full capacity, and car rental firms reporting sold-out inventories, there’s clear evidence that demand is surging and the tourism economy is in full stride.”
Speaking at the association’s fourth quarterly general meeting at Sandals Royal Barbados earlier this month, the BHTA chair reported that between January and October this year Barbados welcomed 582 710 stay-over visitors, up 5.4 per cent from 553 229 recorded in the same period last year.
He stated that from January to October, hotel occupancy averaged 66 per cent, while the average daily rate climbed 12.5 per cent and revenue per available room rose 15.2 per cent year on year.
In a statement, Griffith said improvements are also evident in activities hosted throughout the island. “As you move around Barbados during the day and into the evening, you can genuinely feel the pulse of the season – busy streets, vibrant dining rooms, and a renewed sense of momentum that is translating directly into jobs, business activity, and confidence across a wide cross-section of the community.”
The increase, he said, is not only from repeat visitors but also people coming to Barbados for the first time.
“This is not only about repeat visitors, as we are also welcoming a notable wave of first-time travellers, particularly from the United States and continental Europe, reflecting the impact of expanded airlift and improved connectivity secured through the efforts of the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc.”
The BHTA chair said the increase in visitor interest and tourist arrivals demonstrated growth in the industry and strengthened market partnerships.
“That growth in access is widening Barbados’ reach, strengthening our market mates, and helping to sustain demand across the destination.”
He urged continued efforts to maintain quality connections with partners. “While we celebrate this strong early-season performance, it also underscores the need to continue protecting the quality of the Barbados experience, ensuring service standards remain high, the visitor journey is seamless, and businesses have the support required to operate efficiently during peak periods.”
“This season is already proving to be a positive signal for the wider economy, and we are optimistic about what it can deliver for Barbados in the months ahead,” Griffith remarked.
(LG)
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