Tourism forecasts stronger 2027 after early setbacks

T he 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…