Connect Barbados 2025: boosting safe, quality tourism in the Caribbean

What are your expectations and feelings about this incredible exhibition?

First, I want to thank you for coming to Barbados and welcome you. Connect Barbados is a wonderful opportunity to bring together members of the tourism industry here on the island. The last time we held an event like this was in 2019, before the pandemic. Since then, we've had a solid recovery.

This opportunity allows industry members to experience firsthand what Barbados has to offer: new developments, new projects, and the cultural richness that characterizes our island. Connect Barbados 2025 gives us the opportunity to showcase everything we have to offer and attract the international tourism sector.

What new features does Barbados offer for tourism this year?

We are constantly building new hotels and renovating existing properties. We also promote the small boutique hotels that are part of the Intimate Hotels of Barbados brand, as well as our rental villas.

After not being able to hold Connect Barbados since 2019, this edition is crucial to showcasing the destination's evolution and improvements to the tourism industry.

How would you describe the current situation in the Caribbean and its tourism sector?

Barbados, like other Caribbean destinations, is a very safe place. Safety has always been a central component of our development strategy, and we are proud that our region is considered safe for visitors.

Tourists can move freely around the island, taking luxury tours, safaris, hiking, and engaging in outdoor activities without any worries. Furthermore, one of Barbados' greatest attractions is the warmth and friendliness of its people, which reinforces that feeling of security and welcome.

As Minister of Tourism and President of the Caribbean Tourism Organization, what advantages does that position offer Barbados?

My role as president of the Caribbean Tourism Organization allows me to collaborate with colleagues across the region and make decisions that drive tourism growth in the Caribbean.

When we participate in international tourism fairs and markets, it's an opportunity to raise awareness of the Barbados brand and attract visitors to learn about what we offer.

What legacy do events like Connect Barbados have on the island?

Barbados has always been known for the quality of its conventions. Previously, we had outdated facilities, but the government has invested heavily in modernizing venues like the Samloris Castle Wyndham, which offers a luxurious and comfortable environment.

We chose this location for Connect Barbados because it's a symbol of the sector's evolution and a testament to the robust growth we're experiencing in tourism.