STRONG PERFORMANCE IN THE TOURISM INDUSTRY SAYS BHTA

Barbados’ tourism industry recorded a strong performance in 2025, with higher visitor numbers, increased hotel rates and a range of new initiatives helping to drive growth across the sector, according to the Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA).

In his annual report presented at the association’s annual general meeting, BHTA chief executive officer Senator Ryan Forde said the industry remained a key contributor to the country’s economic expansion despite ongoing global challenges.

Hotel occupancy increased from 63.8 per cent in 2024 to 65.2 per cent in 2025, while the average daily room rate climbed from $631.81 to $718.19. Revenue per available room also rose significantly, moving from $420.79 to $487.17.

The traditionally slower summer period showed improvement as well, with occupancy between May and October averaging 55.2 per cent, up 2.9 per cent from the previous year.

“Tourism is about the experience and not one specific item,” Senator Forde said. “We will continue to lead the country especially as we balance the most new developments, most refurbishment and most experiences advancements, while juggling the geopolitical tensions.”

Among the year’s major achievements was the launch of the Bajan Harvest Hub, a project designed to strengthen links between farmers and tourism businesses through a coordinated and climate-resilient supply system.

The BHTA also completed a rebranding and expansion of its Tourism Fund and launched an Adopt-A-School Futsal Tournament, which raised more than $30 000 for educational equipment.

Membership grew by 39 new members during the year, with further expansion expected as new hotel developments come on stream in 2026.