Barbados on National Geographic’s list of 25 best places to visit

Barbados is the only Caribbean destination on National Geographic’s list of the 25 best places in the world to visit this year.

Following a robust nomination, research and reporting process, the island was chosen as one of the 2025 Best of the World travel destinations handpicked by National Geographic’s explorers, photographers, and editors.

Barbados made the list for taking new initiatives to revisit the island’s involvement in the slave trade centuries ago. It made reference to the Barbados Heritage District slated to open next year on the grounds of Newton Plantation where several enslaved people were buried.

“Encounter a new perspective on slave trade history,” National Geographic said, noting that the role that Barbados played in the story of slavery in the Americas is easily overlooked and the “ambitious” heritage district project seeks to change that. 

The Barbados Heritage District has been designed by David Adjaye, the Ghanaian-British architect behind the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C.

“The new complex features a global research institute with access to the Barbados National Archives and a memorial with 570 timber poles in remembrance of the enslaved people buried below,” the publication notes.

The Barbados Tourism Marketing, Inc. (BTMI) said it was “extremely honoured and proud” that National Geographic had put Barbados on its highly regarded Best of the World 2025 list.

BTMI’s USA director, Peter Mayers said: “This inclusion is a testament to the tireless work of our tourism stakeholders whose commitment to showcasing the unmatched beauty, culture and hospitality of our island is unwavering. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to our partners who represent the best of the island, as well as the Caribbean, with their passion and excellence.

“Together, we have demonstrated to the world that Barbados is not just a destination but an experience of a lifetime rich in history, culture and beauty.” 

(BT)