By Michael Baginski/ With December set to mark the 75th anniversary of the first Air Canada flight to Barbados (its first Caribbean destination), the airline is set to the host the 2025 edition of its Air Canada Race on the island with 20 qualified Canadian travel advisors set to take part in the five-day event starting Thursday (Nov. 20). Suitably it is the first island destination for the Race.
The event reflects Barbados’ status as a long-time favourite destination for Canadians, say island tourism execs, even as overall tourism there continues to rise (including the U.S. surpassing Britain this year as top visitor-generator).
Sharing a Commonwealth history and connection, Canada is Barbados’s third-largest visitor market, boasting a 13% increase in Canadian arrivals in 2024. And following a push to increase visitation during Barbados’ off-season from June-September, hopes are high that momentum will continue throughout the winter and into 2026.
Fresh off the island’s signature Food and Rum Festival earlier this month, as well as activations throughout year in Toronto, such as appearing at the Toronto Food and Drink Festival, The Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI) is keen to position the island as a top-tier culinary destination.
In collaboration with Export Barbados at the Toronto event, BTMI helped bring the spirit of the island to life through a world-class culinary showcase led by two of the country’s most celebrated talents: award-winning Chef Javon Cummins and renowned mixologist Alex Chandler.
BTMI also organized a consumer takeover of popular Toronto restaurant Miss Likklemore’s on June 4. Chef Cummins and mixologist Philip Casanova served up Barbadian fare during two sittings.
Connecting over cuisine
The activations aligned with Barbados’ strategic push into the Canadian market, positioning the island not just as a beach destination, but as a cultural and culinary powerhouse.
“We’re seeing an incredible surge in demand for Barbados out of Canada, and food is proving to be one of the most powerful ways to connect with our audience,” says Eusi Skeete, Director for BTMI Canada.
Of course, there’s much more to Barbados than simply F&B.
“Barbados is more than a vacation, it’s a lifestyle,” says Skeete. “We offer Canadians something rare: sunshine with soul, luxury with legacy, and culture that moves you – (and) we’re just a direct flight away.”
What’s new
New hospitality investments totalling $1.7 billion are projected to add 1,493 rooms and 3,550 jobs in Barbados by 2026. As such a host of new and upcoming developments are putting a fresh spin on an island visit. Among them:
- Royalton CHIC Barbados, an adults-only all-inclusive resort will bring a vibrant blend of luxury and entertainment to the island’s Gold Coast in Spring 2026, adding to the island’s luxury travel scene with its unique ‘Party Your Way’ concept, and offering guests a dynamic mix of relaxation, social experiences, and high-end amenities.
- Pendry Barbados, the luxury boutique hotel chain’s first international resort, is set to open by the end of 2026 on the island’s west coast, offering 80 newly designed beachfront guestrooms and 46 private residences alongside a range of upscale amenities. This development will enhance Barbados’ luxury tourism offerings with its contemporary Caribbean elegance, signature dining concepts, and exclusive access to a private marina and other resort facilities.
- Also in the development pipeline is Beaches Barbados, a 600-room family resort from the Sandals brand that will offer a range of beachfront suites and family-friendly amenities.
- Tamarind Resort returns on Jan. 1, fully refreshed; In 2025, Marriott expanded its portfolio with adult-only The Waves and Treasure Beach, both long-time favourites on the island.
- Travellers visiting Barbados can now explore the island more easily with the Uber app. Uber is officially available across Barbados, marking the company’s first launch in the Eastern Caribbean. With just a few taps, visitors can request a ride through Uber Taxi, connecting them with the island’s licensed taxi drivers.
- Based on the data submitted by the cruise companies to the Barbados Port Inc. (BPI), Barbados expects a 22% increase in cruise passengers this coming winter season, with more than 800,000 cruise passengers. Barbados will also see more than 400 cruise calls, exceeding the 389 cruise calls registered for the last winter season.
- The new Barbados Heritage District is a landmark destination honouring the island’s enslaved ancestors. Located at Newton, Christ Church, home to the Caribbean’s largest and oldest known slave burial ground, the site includes a memorial, museum, and research institute.
- Having marked the 400th anniversary of British arrival in 2025, Barbados will celebrate its 60th independence anniversary in 2026.
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