AGP Executive Report

Tribute & Tourism Culture: Iconic UK travel host Judith Chalmers has died at 90, remembered for Wish You Were Here…? and her globe-trotting style that helped sell the idea of Caribbean escapes to millions. Crime & Visitor Confidence: Barbados’ DLP says the anti-gang bill is too soft on the money behind gangs, warning violent crime could start hitting tourists after an attack near Savvy on the Bay. Immigration Shock for the Region: US policy now requires Caribbean green card applicants to return home to apply, a move that could affect travel plans and planning for would-be migrants. Heatwave Pressure on Travel Markets: Britain braces for a Bank Holiday heatwave with Met Office updates and health alerts, while UK councils warn about open-water risks—another reminder that demand swings with weather. Barbados Water Security: The World Bank approved a $54.7m programme to cut water losses and expand sanitation, a direct support for the island’s long-term visitor experience. Local Transport: Highway 7/Rendezvous junction traffic signals are being upgraded to ease congestion. Regional Air Capacity: Caribbean Airlines is cutting several routes and reducing others, reshaping intra-Caribbean connectivity. Next Big Trade Moment: Barbados has been selected to host the Caribbean Travel Marketplace in 2027.

Heatwave Safety: UK heat health alerts are in place as temperatures could hit 33C over the Bank Holiday weekend, with warnings to avoid risky open-water swims and to keep pets safe (including “never” spraying cats with water). Air Connectivity: Caribbean Airlines will cut three flights and reduce service on two more routes from June 1, trimming key links between the Eastern Caribbean and parts of South America. Barbados Tourism Spotlight: Barbados has been selected to host the Caribbean’s biggest tourism trade event again in 2027—CTM’s 45th edition—bringing major global buyers and airlines to the island. Local Travel Infrastructure: Traffic upgrades at the Highway 7/Rendezvous junction aim to ease congestion and improve safety for drivers and pedestrians. Water Security: The World Bank approved a US$54.7m Barbados programme to reduce water losses, expand sanitation, and strengthen governance—directly supporting the island’s tourism-ready water reliability.

Caribbean Airlines Cuts Intra-Caribbean Links: Starting June 1, Caribbean Airlines will drop flights between Dominica–Suriname and St. Kitts–Suriname, plus reduce the Martinique and Guadeloupe schedule to twice-weekly—shrinking key nonstop options for business, diaspora travel, and connections via Guyana’s fast-growing Ogle (Eugene F. Correia) airport. Barbados Hosts Major Trade Event: Barbados has been selected to host the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association’s Caribbean Travel Marketplace in May 2027, a big vote of confidence after last hosting in 2023. Road Relief for Drivers: Highway 7/Rendezvous Road junction upgrades are rolling out, including a controlled left-turn signal for southbound drivers—while keeping pedestrian phases in place. Tourism Watchpoint: Barbados’ opposition is raising alarms that rising violent crime could start affecting visitors, after an attack near Savvy on the Bay. Water Security Boost: The World Bank approved a $54.7m programme to cut water losses, expand sanitation, and strengthen governance—aimed at protecting public health and coastal tourism.

Heat Alert Backdrop: The UK is bracing for a record-breaking May Bank Holiday heatwave, with UK Health Security Agency warnings as temperatures may hit 33C—hotter than Barbados—setting the scene for a busy, sun-seeking travel weekend. Tourism Security: Barbados’ DLP is warning that rising violent crime could start damaging the island’s tourism image after an attack on a visitor near Savvy on the Bay. Airlift & Airport Capacity: Barbados is expanding GAIA parking with three more aprons/gates next month to handle more flights, even as American Airlines cancels its New York winter service. Africa Connectivity: Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc says Nigeria charter flights are set to resume monthly and a tourism office in Kenya is already open, pushing the destination deeper into Africa and the Gulf. Industry Pulse: Antigua and Barbuda reports a 7% jump in stayovers in Q1, while Caribbean hotels push back against Booking.com’s proposed commission changes.

Airlift & airport capacity: Barbados is adding more aircraft parking at Grantley Adams International Airport, with three new aprons/gates due to start next month and finish by end of November, as visitor demand and flight volumes keep climbing. Tourism growth debate: Finance Minister Ryan Straughn pushed back on claims locals aren’t benefiting, pointing to tourism-linked jobs across communities and wider spillover into culture, agriculture, manufacturing and transport. Africa connectivity push: Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc says its Africa strategy is moving fast—its Kenya tourism office is already open, and monthly Nigeria charters (Air Peace) are set to resume, strengthening Lagos–Barbados links. Regional trade momentum: Antigua and Barbuda hosted CTM 2026 again, underlining the Caribbean’s continued push to lock in buyers, airlines and hotel investment. Industry spotlight: Caribbean hotels are challenging Booking.com’s plan to apply commissions to taxes like VAT/GST, warning it could raise costs across the region.

Airlift & airport capacity: Barbados is adding more aircraft parking at Grantley Adams International Airport—three extra aprons/gates to move from 23 to 26 positions, with work starting next month and targeted completion by end of November—after officials flagged congestion risk as flights grow. Africa connectivity push: Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc says direct links with Africa are ramping up, including the return of monthly Lagos–Barbados charters (Air Peace) and a renewed tourism office presence in Kenya. Local benefits debate: Finance Minister Ryan Straughn pushed back on claims tourism growth isn’t reaching ordinary people, pointing to jobs and wider spillovers across communities as airlift increases. Regional trade momentum: Barbados is set to host the Caribbean Travel Marketplace in May 2027, while across the region hotels are also fighting back against new Booking.com tax commission rules. Women in tourism: CTO will launch a scholarship fund for emerging Caribbean women in tourism at its June 1 leadership dinner in New York.

Booking.com Backlash: Caribbean hotels are pushing back against new Booking.com rules that would charge commissions on the full booking amount, including VAT/GST—an approach CHTA says could quietly raise costs and create compliance headaches for properties across Barbados, Grenada, Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago. Airlift & Airport Capacity: Barbados is also preparing for more flights, with construction set to start next month on three extra aircraft parking aprons at Grantley Adams International Airport to ease weekend congestion. Africa Connectivity Push: Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc says direct Africa links are ramping up, including the return of monthly Lagos–Barbados charters via Air Peace and a renewed tourism office presence in Kenya. Local Tourism Leadership: Barbados appointed Peter Harris as new chairman of BTMI, aiming to accelerate marketing and emerging-market growth. Regional Momentum: Antigua and Barbuda hosted CTM 2026, while Beaches unveiled its US$150m “Treasure Beach Village” in Turks & Caicos as part of a wider Caribbean expansion.

Gas Pressure on the Move: Barbadians are feeling the pinch as gasoline hits $4.01 per litre, with locals weighing e-bikes and other alternatives when buses don’t feel dependable. Tourism Momentum: BTMI says 2026 is trending strong, with about 214,000 visitors already logged in Q1 and “double-digit” growth expected from Europe plus steady demand from Canada and encouraging signs from the UK and US. New Leadership: Peter Harris has been appointed chairman of Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc, tasked with boosting airlift and reaching emerging markets. Big Trade Boost: Barbados will host the Caribbean Travel Marketplace again in May 2027 (May 18–21), a major B2B platform returning after four years. Resort Buzz: Beaches Turks and Caicos officially opened its $150m Treasure Beach Village, adding 101 suites and a lagoon-style pool—another sign of the region’s family-focused expansion. Safety & Community: A shooting in Jackmans, St Michael, has renewed calls for action on gun problems, while tourism leaders keep pushing people-first initiatives across the wider Caribbean.

Barbados Tourism Momentum: Barbados is trending toward another strong 2026 season, with BTMI reporting about 214,000 visitors already in the first quarter and pointing to double-digit growth from Europe plus solid demand from Canada, the UK, the US and the wider Caribbean. Airlift Focus: BTMI says connectivity is still the cornerstone, with Barbados pushing to expand airlift—highlighted by Air Peace launching monthly charters to Barbados and Antigua next week. Industry Spotlight: In the wider region, Beaches Turks and Caicos unveiled its $150m “Treasure Beach Village” as “Beaches 2.0,” while JetBlue and United rolled out reciprocal elite-style perks for Caribbean-bound travellers. Trade & Talent: Barbados has been confirmed to host the Caribbean Travel Marketplace in May 2027, and CTO is set to launch a scholarship for emerging Caribbean women in tourism during Caribbean Week 2026. Local Note: A shooting in Jackmans, St Michael, left one dead and another injured, as police seek witnesses.

Cuba Tensions: A new wave of U.S. pressure is being framed as a push for “regime change,” with Cuba’s leadership vowing to resist any move toward takeover. Beaches Turks & Caicos Launch: Beaches Resorts just unveiled its $150m Treasure Beach Village with fireworks, celebrities, and a full-on beach bash—plus 101 new suites and a big family-focused upgrade. Workcation Momentum: Remote work is reshaping travel plans, with more travellers stretching short trips into longer stays. Barbados Tourism Leadership: Barbados appointed Peter Harris as new Tourism Marketing Inc chairman as stay-over arrivals rose 3.3% in 2025. Trade & Talent: CTO is set to launch a scholarship for emerging Caribbean women in tourism during Caribbean Week, while Barbados will host Caribbean Travel Marketplace in May 2027. Safety & Travel Confidence: Antigua and Barbuda ranks high in a Caribbean safety index, with Barbados also placing strongly. Local Watch: A fatal shooting in Jackmans, St Michael, has locals and visitors on edge.

Caribbean Tourism Momentum: Barbados has been confirmed as host for the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association’s Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2027, set for May 18–21—bringing the region’s biggest travel trade networking back to the island after four years. Women in Tourism: The CTO is rolling out a scholarship for emerging Caribbean women in tourism, unveiled during Caribbean Week’s June 1 Women in Tourism Leadership Dinner & Awards in New York. Air & Deals: P&O Cruises is pushing a £200 saving with low deposits on selected sailings, while Air Canada announces a new Halifax–Barbados winter route from Dec 17, 2026 (weekly). Business Growth: Abaxx says it will launch Silver Singapore futures on May 22, expanding its precious metals offering. On-the-ground Reality: A shooting in Jackmans, St Michael left one dead and another injured, with police urging witnesses to come forward.

Safety Spotlight: Antigua and Barbuda has been named the 4th safest Caribbean destination in the 2026 Honeymoon Always Caribbean Safety Index, scoring 7.39/10 and topping OECS sovereign states—while Barbados ranks close behind at 8.21. Crime Update: In Barbados, a shooting in Jackmans, St Michael left one man dead and another injured early Sunday; police are urging witnesses to come forward as locals vent online about rising gun violence. Air & Events: Air Canada will add a new winter Halifax–Barbados nonstop weekly route from Dec 17, 2026, and BTMI is backing Halifax’s Blue Nose Marathon to pull Atlantic Canada travellers. Trade & Tourism Business: Barbados has been confirmed to host CHTA’s Caribbean Travel Marketplace in 2027, returning to the island May 18–21. Regional Context: The UN warns global energy and trade disruption is pushing millions toward poverty—another reminder that travel demand can’t be taken for granted.

Crime & Safety: A man was killed and another injured in a shooting in Jackmans, St Michael (around 2:10am on Skeetes Road), and police are urging witnesses to come forward as locals vent frustration over rising gun violence. Air Connectivity: Air Canada will add a new winter weekly nonstop from Halifax to Barbados starting Dec 17, 2026, and BTMI is backing the Blue Nose Marathon to keep Barbados top-of-mind for Atlantic Canada travellers. Trade & Tourism Business: Barbados has been confirmed to host the Caribbean Travel Marketplace in 2027 (May 18–21), returning to the island after four years—an important boost for hotel and tour operator deal-making. Regional Strategy: The Caribbean is pushing a new logistics and supply-chain push to keep more tourism dollars circulating locally, while CHTA and Amadeus flag a shift toward higher-value, year-round demand. Policy Pressure: The DLP says Barbados’ new IMF precautionary arrangement isn’t just “insurance,” adding to the political heat around economic reform and tourism momentum.

IMF Pressure on Barbados: Barbados and the IMF have reached a staff-level deal for a 36-month precautionary Stand-By Arrangement worth about US$260m, with the programme framed as a shift from stabilisation to long-term transformation under BERT 2026—while the DLP is pushing back hard, calling it anything but “standby insurance.” New Air Access: Air Canada will add a weekly Halifax–Barbados winter nonstop from Dec 17, 2026, and BTMI is backing the Blue Nose Marathon for three years to build Atlantic Canada demand. Trade & Deals: Barbados has been confirmed to host CHTA Caribbean Travel Marketplace in 2027, bringing major global buyers back to the island. On-the-ground Tourism Ideas: Crop Over co-director Ryan Forde suggests adding a second Kadooment day to keep Barbados competitive as visitors chase better value. Regional Context: Caribbean tourism growth is slowing overall, with Latin America and higher-value targeting now the focus—plus energy and trade shocks are pushing more households toward poverty.

Fitness Tourism Push: IFBB president Dr. Rafael Santoja says Barbados could become the world’s “fitness capital,” backing the Roger Boyce Classic and IFBB Pro World Cup at Wildey Gym. IMF & Economic Signals: The DLP is challenging Government’s new US$260m, 36-month IMF standby deal, arguing it contradicts earlier claims of a booming economy and points to pressure under the surface. New Air Access: Air Canada will add a winter Halifax–Barbados weekly nonstop from Dec 17, 2026, while BTMI sponsors Halifax’s Blue Nose Marathon to boost Atlantic Canada visibility. Trade-Show Momentum: Barbados is confirmed to host the Caribbean Travel Marketplace in 2027, returning to the island after 2023. Regional Booking Fight: Caribbean hotel groups push back against proposed Booking.com commission changes tied to government taxes and fees. CPL Spotlight: Jamaica targets 5,000 diaspora fans for CPL, with matches including Kensington Oval in Barbados.

Barbados Diplomacy Boost: Prime Minister Mia Mottley has opened Barbados’ first resident embassy in Ireland, formalising ties on trade, tourism, culture and climate resilience. CHTA Deal for 2027: Barbados will host the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association Travel Marketplace in 2027, keeping the island at the centre of regional airline, tour operator and hotel deal-making. Tourism Product Push: “Til Sunrise Barbados” launches as a new intimate, music-led hosted experience for small groups starting November 2026. Regional Health Tech: Saint Lucia completed a rapid PCR testing system rollout, cutting infectious-disease detection to under two hours—good news for visitor confidence. Caribbean Market Context: The wider region is recalibrating for higher-value, year-round demand as growth slows, with Latin America emerging as a key engine. Policy Pressure: Hotel groups across the Caribbean are pushing back against booking commission changes that could raise costs for accommodation providers.