Barbados and Venezuela Finalize Tourism Deal to Boost...

Barbados stayed on a strong recovery path as stay-over arrivals reached 707,046 (with another figure indicating 727,310 long-stay visitors) and cruise passenger arrivals reached 738,935 (with another source mentioning 817,950 cruise arrivals) in 2025. Building on this momentum, Barbados and Venezuela are finalizing a new bilateral tourism agreement to promote regional air routes and multi-destination travel packages.

The Local Trend Revealed

Following high-level talks between Barbados Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley and Venezuelan President Delcy Rodríguez, the two governments issued a joint declaration outline. The upcoming bilateral agreement aims to coordinate hotel schools, establish business matchmaking, and develop joint shopping and wellness products:

Expanding Air Connectivity: The declaration focuses on promoting the Bridgetown–Porlamar–Caracas commercial flight corridor, positioning both countries as transit hubs for European and international arrivals. Plans also include direct shipping and cargo connections.
Intra-Caribbean and South American Travel: The partnership will allow travelers to combine Caribbean beaches in Barbados with eco-tourism adventures in Venezuela's Canaima National Park—a roadless 30,000-square-kilometer reserve containing tepuis, wildlife, and the 1,283-meter-high Angel Falls.
Bilateral Planning: The Barbados tourism minister will visit Venezuela within four months, and the countries will host their First Binational Tourism Meeting in 2027 to implement these initiatives.

Historical Visitor Statistics and Market Growth

According to data compiled by the Barbados Statistical Service, the island's visitor economy has recovered steadily across five high-growth source markets:

United States: Rose from 44,804 arrivals in 2021 to 148,326 in 2022, 176,677 in 2023, and 241,571 in 2025. Between January and August 2025, 179,753 US visitors arrived, making the US the island's leading market. Monthly US arrivals in 2025 peaked in July (28,415) and hit their lowest point in September (11,270).
United Kingdom: Produced 53,639 arrivals in 2021, 234,510 in 2022, 243,857 in 2023, and 216,344 in 2025. Peak monthly arrivals occurred in January (28,971), while September was the weakest (8,520).
Canada: Grew from 17,316 in 2021 to 55,759 in 2022, 61,768 in 2023, and 87,026 in 2025. Monthly arrivals peaked in December (11,671) and hit their low in June (3,516).
CARICOM: Regional travel contributed 22,908 visitors in 2021, 58,435 in 2022, 88,524 in 2023, and 96,604 in 2025. Monthly arrivals peaked in August (13,298).
Other Europe: Provided 6,897 arrivals in 2021, 26,606 in 2022, 28,306 in 2023, and 31,918 in 2025.
Strong Q1 2026 Activity: Barbados recorded 214,944 long-stay visitors and 473,960 cruise passengers during the first quarter of 2026, leading to high hotel occupancy and exhausted car-rental inventories.

Accommodation and infrastructure indicators also recorded steady expansion:

Registered establishments rose from 138 in 2021 (with 6,052 bedrooms) to 149 in 2022 (6,573 bedrooms) and 156 in 2023 (6,954 bedrooms). Tourism accounts for approximately 45 percent of the country's GDP.

Cultural & Environmental Value

For the traveler, the real impact of the Barbados-Venezuela partnership is the integration of climate resilience and community-based economies. The agreement establishes technical cooperation for building tourism infrastructure that can withstand extreme climate events, which is a vital concern for the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO).

To support local communities, travelers can stay at family-run guest houses in Barbados or community-owned posadas in Venezuela. In Canaima National Park, transportation is handled primarily by river canoes, which minimizes carbon footprint. Visitors can hire certified indigenous guides to ensure their spending directly supports local park rangers and rainforest preservation.

Visitor Insider Tips for Caribbean-South American Travel

Local travel specialists recommend the following strategies for travelers:

Observe the Off-Peak Window:
- In Barbados, travel between September and October for lower resort rates and fewer crowds, although this coincides with the tropical wet season.
- In Venezuela, the dry season from November to April offers clear weather, ideal for trekking in the Andes or viewing Angel Falls.
Observe Entry and Dress Codes:
- Beachwear is strictly for the coast in Barbados. Wearing swimsuits or revealing clothing in town is considered bad manners. Wearing camouflage clothing is illegal for civilians.
- In Venezuela, carry cash in clean, crisp US dollar bills, as merchants and banks will reject bills with minor tears or markings.
Sample Culinary Specialties:
- In Barbados, sample Cou-cou and Flying Fish (cornmeal and okra pudding with stewed fish), or get fresh Fish Cakes at the Oistins Fish Fry.
- In Venezuela, try traditional Arepas stuffed with local cheese, or order Pabellón Criollo (shredded beef, black beans, rice, and plantains).
Explore Under-the-Radar Spots:
- In Barbados, visit Bathsheba Beach on the rugged East Coast for dramatic rock formations.
- In Venezuela, visit the historic coastal village of Choroní and relax at Playa Grande beach.

Tourism Outlook

The long-term impact of the Barbados-Venezuela deal will be the development of a more connected, resilient Caribbean-South American travel network. By promoting multi-destination itineraries and strengthening air connectivity, both countries can diversify their international source markets, decrease seasonal fluctuations, and build a more sustainable visitor sector.

FAQ: Barbados-Venezuela Tourism Agreement

What is the GDP contribution of tourism in Barbados? Tourism contributes approximately 45 percent of Barbados' GDP.

What is the scale of Canaima National Park in Venezuela? Canaima National Park covers more than 30,000 square kilometers and features tepuis, waterfalls, and the 1,283-meter-high Angel Falls.

How many international visitors did Barbados receive in 2025? Barbados welcomed 707,046 stay-over arrivals (with another figure indicating 727,310 long-stay visitors) and 738,935 cruise passenger arrivals (with another source mentioning 817,950 cruise arrivals) in 2025.

What are the primary air routes promoted under the new agreement? The agreement focuses on promoting the Bridgetown–Porlamar–Caracas commercial flight route to connect Caribbean beaches with South American destinations.