Record arrivals and ‘Tourism 3.0’ shared at BHTA awards

Minister of Tourism and International Transport Ian Gooding-Edghill announced historic growth in the tourism sector, revealing that Barbados closed the previous year with its highest-ever visitor arrivals.

Speaking at the Gallagher BTMI BHTA Tourism Awards Gala ceremony on Saturday night, the minister praised the industry’s resilience and strategic airlift expansion. He revealed that the island welcomed an unprecedented 727 310 long-stay visitors alongside 817 950 cruise arrivals.

“Tourism earnings contribute approximately 45 per cent to our GDP,” Minister Gooding-Edghill stated, emphasising that the sector remains “absolutely the backbone of the Barbadian economy”.

The minister noted that the momentum has carried directly into 2026, with first-quarter figures already showing a spectacular start. Projections indicate a further 22 per cent increase for the winter cruise season, expected to draw more than 800 000 visitors. Behind these record-setting numbers, he noted, are thriving local businesses, booked entertainers, and busy taxi drivers.

Looking to the future, Minister Gooding-Edghill introduced the “Tourism 3.0” strategy, designed to shift the focus from mere pandemic recovery toward sustainable, long-term growth.

“If tourism 1.0 and 2.0 were about attracting visitors… then tourism 3.0 must be on increasing visitor spend in Barbados, encouraging greater Barbadian participation and ownership in the sector,” he explained.

While celebrating these triumphs, the minister warned against complacency amidst rising global fuel prices, inflation, and geopolitical tensions. He confirmed he is actively negotiating with major airlines, including JetBlue, to secure additional airlift capacity.