The tourism industry remains the backbone of Barbados’ economy, a catalyst for grassroots growth, a creator of sustainable livelihoods, and the primary generator of foreign exchange.
Minister of Tourism and International Transport, Ian Gooding-Edghill, made this assertion recently as he delivered remarks at the 2026 Tourism Awards Gala, hosted in collaboration with Gallagher, Barbados Tourism Investment Inc. and the Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association, at the Wyndham Grand Barbados Sam Lords Castle.
“Tourism earnings contribute approximately 45 per cent to our GDP. Significantly, our collective investments continue to make promising returns as we honour individual excellence. This evening, we also celebrate collective triumph for business tourism marked by sustained and undeniable growth,” Mr. Gooding-Edghill stated.
The Minister revealed that in 2025, the sector celebrated its highest numbers in visitor arrivals due to the “unyielding resilience” of industry partners and a “heavy strategic push” in airlift capacity.
“We welcomed an unprecedented 727,310 long-stay visitors to our shores, along with a staggering 817,950 cruise arrivals, powered by expanded airlift and robust onboarding activity…
“Building on that momentum 2026 began spectacularly. In the first quarter, Barbados welcomed 214,944 long-stay visitors and 473,960 cruise passengers to Barbados. Our winter season opened with remarkable strength, with hotels reporting very good occupancy, restaurants operating at near full capacity, and car rental inventories were effectively exhausted,” he disclosed.
Embracing the event theme: Stars of Our Story, the Minister of Tourism emphasised that the success of the industry could not be separated from service excellence and product quality, as they were the “dual engines” which created a distinct competitive advantage that establishes ‘Destination Barbados’ as a premier global choice.
“Unlike the stars of entertainment, sports …, the stars we celebrate tonight shine through service. Your stage is not a theater or stadium, but the arena of Barbadian tourism through quiet daily acts of excellence.
“You have created memorable experiences, solved problems, exceeded expectations, and left lasting impressions across hotels, restaurants, attractions, airport, seaport, and enterprises for the sectors from around the globe,” he told the nominees.
Outgoing Chairman of the BHTA, Javon Griffith, described this year’s awards as an event which exists for the dual purpose of reflection and celebration.
“This is not merely an awards ceremony. It is a milestone in the continuing story of Barbados’ tourism. A moment to honour what has been, to mark what is, and to shape what is still to come. Excellence, ladies and gentlemen, is not a destination. It is a discipline we renew each day.
“May we continue to raise the bar. May we continue to inspire one another, and may Barbados remain a destination known not only for the beauty of its shores, but, far more enduringly, for the excellence and the spirit of its people,” Mr. Griffith urged.