Royalton Vessence Welcomes Delegates From Connect Barbados

Delegates attending Connect Barbados 2026 got an opportunity to experience what Royalton Vessence Barbados has to offer during a cocktail reception on Tuesday evening, at the newly opened Holetown, St. James property.

Minister of Tourism and International Transport, Ian Gooding-Edghill, noted that the opening of the Royalton Vessence Barbados, an Autograph Collection all-inclusive resort, coincided with Connect Barbados 2026, which is the island’s premier tourism business-to-business marketplace.

Mr. Gooding-Edghill expressed appreciation to the management for extending an invitation to delegates from Connect Barbados 2026.

“I wish to thank the management and certainly the directors at Royalton for inviting the members of the travel trade who are participating in Connect Barbados 2026. I’m pleased to inform you that Connect Barbados has attracted 92 buyers representing 83 countries, a 51 per cent increase over last year’s 55 buyers. There are also 111 local buyers and suppliers who have come on board,” the Minister said.

He praised the resort’s commitment to sustainability through waste management, disclosing that the Royalton had taken concrete steps to promote environmental responsibility through the implementation of a structured waste segregation and recycling programme. Cardboard, paper, plastics, and food waste are separated at source to ensure proper recycling and disposal.

“This approach supports sustainable waste management and reduces the environmental footprint of their operations, and it sets an example for responsible business practices in our tourism sector. These actions underscore Royalton’s commitment to sustainability and reinforce the shared values between the company and the people of Barbados,” Mr. Gooding-Edghill stated.

He also shared that for the upcoming 2026/2027 winter season, Barbados will benefit from 660 new and renovated rooms to complement the island’s national room inventory. Those additions, he indicated, will make the destination more competitive.

General Manager, Royalton Vessence Barbados, Carl Beviere, expressed appreciation to the Government of Barbados and key tourism stakeholders for their ongoing partnership and support.

“Tourism remains one of the most important pillars of our economy, and its continued success depends on strong partnerships between government, industry stakeholders, and private sector. Royalton Vessence Barbados is proud to be part of that partnership and committed to contributing to the continued growth and success of Barbados as a world-class destination,” Mr. Beviere said.

He also gave a brief overview of the hotel, noting that while the management is proud of the facilities, “what truly makes Royalton Vessence Barbados special is our people” (PR/GIS)