Tourism forecasts stronger 2027 after early setbacks

The tourism industry expects a stronger 2027 after disruptions affected arrivals and growth this year, according to the Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA), with winter performance forecast to be eight per cent ahead of last year if challenges continue to stabilise.

In a quarterly press briefing on Thursday, BHTA chief executive Ryan Forde reported resilient performance as the sector approached year-end, reflecting on how the industry had weathered early disruptions.

He said: “Thankfully, we have been able to weather the storm that we faced in January enough to move forward and face 2027 with heightened expectations.”

The BHTA Tourism Fund’s work included hosting the adoptive school futsal tournament. The initiative raised more than $50 000, meeting its target to help schools address critical infrastructure needs and exceeding the $30 000 generated in its inaugural year.
Professional development remained a focus, with the national culinary team completing four months of intensive training. The team is preparing to compete against 14 other islands at the upcoming Taste of the Caribbean competition, seeking both team and individual honours.

“They will face 14 other islands with the aim to win the competition collectively and individually,” Forde said.
International promotional efforts also increased, with targeted campaigns conducted in partnership with Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc (BTMI) and regional partners.

These included group travel initiatives at IMEX in Las Vegas, tourism showcases during the Southern Florida Roadshow, sports-focused networking at TEAMS USA and participation in the World Travel Market (WTM) in London to engage the UK and wider European markets.

Outreach also extended to Latin America, the Caribbean and new markets, including a campaign in Nairobi, Kenya.
In Barbados, the BHTA launched the Bajan Harvest Hub, an agrotourism project designed to link agriculture and tourism. It aims to increase local production, develop commercial relationships and encourage greater use of homegrown produce on menus through a transparent back-house distribution system.

The association’s secretariat also pursued lobbying initiatives, including securing confirmation of a car rental policy note from the Barbados Revenue Authority and the Ministry of Finance, which will encourage the roll-out of hybrid and electric vehicles.
The BHTA also reviewed the Accommodation Bill and submitted feedback to the Ministry of Tourism.

Forde said the year had begun with heightened geopolitical tensions, wars, kidnappings and a rise in the cost of doing business, affecting arrivals and growth. However, he outlined a brighter outlook for 2027.

Next year is “forecast to be a much better year once the challenges continue to stabilise, as winter 26-27 is forecast to be facing ahead by eight per cent versus last year”, Forde explained.

Sports tourism is expected to play a key role, with Barbados set to host major events including the World Bridge tournament, which is forecast to bring at least 2 500 additional visitors during the slower summer season.

Forde urged businesses and entrepreneurs to invest heavily in their offerings and people to match the tourism industry’s momentum.

(RR)