Barbados is poised for a substantial transformation of its tourism infrastructure with an ambitious plan to add 1,800 new hotel rooms by 2030, according to campaign declarations from incumbent officials. Ian Gooding-Edghill, the Barbados Labour Party candidate for St Michael West Central and former tourism minister, revealed that over $1 billion has already been invested in tourism development projects across the island.
The comprehensive expansion includes numerous high-profile developments currently in various stages of completion. The recently opened Indigo hotel on the South Coast, which replaced the former Caribee hotel, now employs approximately 300 people. Nearby, the emerging Hyatt property will contribute an additional 400 rooms to the island’s accommodation inventory. Further developments include the Pierhead project featuring combined hotel and residential spaces, the upcoming Montage resort in the Paradise area, the nearly completed Royalton, the planned 422-room Beaches resort at the former Heywoods site, and the Pendry resort scheduled for St Peter.
Gooding-Edghill emphasized that these developments represent significant progress that will generate substantial employment opportunities for Barbadians beyond construction, including permanent hospitality positions and increased business for supporting industries such as taxi services. He also addressed previous criticisms regarding the demolition and reconstruction of the former Hilton hotel, noting that the new facility is now completely debt-free with an asset valuation exceeding $220 million.
Additionally, the official reiterated his party’s commitment to enhancing transportation infrastructure, with expansion plans for both the Bridgetown Port and Grantley Adams International Airport, the latter scheduled to commence later this year.