Carib Scope

分类： business

  • Bad Bunny tour sparks major tourism boom in Dominican Republic

    Bad Bunny tour sparks major tourism boom in Dominican Republic

    SANTO DOMINGO – The Dominican Republic has experienced a substantial economic boost from Bad Bunny’s international “Debí Tirar Más Fotos” tour, with Tourism Minister David Collado highlighting the event’s significant contribution to the nation’s tourism sector and overall economy. The two concerts served as a powerful economic catalyst, demonstrating how major entertainment events can drive substantial revenue streams beyond traditional tourism.

    According to official figures, the performances attracted approximately 15,000 international visitors, generating an estimated $14 million in foreign exchange earnings. The influx of concertgoers produced remarkable occupancy rates in Santo Domingo’s hospitality sector, with hotels reaching 92% capacity compared to the typical 62% average. Establishments throughout the capital reported exceptional business activity, with bars, restaurants, and local merchants experiencing substantial sales increases.

    The event drew a diverse international audience from key markets including major U.S. cities such as Miami, New York, Boston, and Los Angeles. Additional visitors arrived from Puerto Rico, Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala, Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador, and various Asian and European regions. Many tourists extended their stays to explore cultural attractions including the Colonial City and popular coastal destinations such as Punta Cana, Samaná, Boca Chica, and Puerto Plata.

    This economic phenomenon mirrors similar success observed during Bad Bunny’s recent residency in Puerto Rico, confirming that large-scale concerts effectively stimulate multiple sectors including hospitality, gastronomy, transportation, and entertainment. Minister Collado emphasized the government’s strategic commitment to positioning the Dominican Republic as a premier destination for international events, leveraging the country’s robust security protocols, quality service standards, and extensive hotel infrastructure to attract future high-impact entertainment productions.

  • New digital tools ‘coming’ as govt vows smoother biz regulation next year

    New digital tools ‘coming’ as govt vows smoother biz regulation next year

    The Barbadian government has announced a series of sweeping reforms aimed at streamlining business operations and enhancing the island’s investment climate. Senator Lisa Cummins, the Minister for Business Development, revealed on Monday that these changes, set to take effect in the coming months, will focus on modernizing bureaucratic processes and introducing advanced digital tools to support business growth. Speaking at a Jamaica Money Market Brokers (JMMB) forum at O2 Beach Club, Senator Cummins emphasized the government’s commitment to creating a more predictable and efficient environment for investors and businesses alike. Key initiatives include reducing red tape, implementing transparent monitoring frameworks, and establishing an enterprise exchange to facilitate smoother transactions. The minister also highlighted a whole-of-government approach to policy-making, ensuring alignment across ministries to benefit micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). She stressed the importance of institutional reforms, such as embedding financial reporting standards and fostering innovation, to build confidence and stability in the business ecosystem. However, Senator Cummins acknowledged the challenges posed by outdated legislation, such as the nearly 30-year-old Companies Act, and the slow pace of regulatory compliance. She also noted that some compliance requirements are dictated by international bodies, adding complexity to the process. Despite these hurdles, the government remains focused on creating systems that attract investment and support economic growth.

  • Airport aims to surpass ‘busiest day ever’

    Airport aims to surpass ‘busiest day ever’

    Grantley Adams International Airport in Barbados is preparing for an unprecedented surge in passenger traffic this December, with tourism officials predicting December 20 to be the busiest day in the airport’s history. Civil Aviation Minister Ian Gooding-Edghill hailed this milestone as a “historic occasion,” marking a significant achievement for the island’s aviation sector. The airport is already bracing for a high-volume day on “Fat Thursday,” November 30, when approximately 8,000 passengers are expected to pass through. However, December 20 is set to surpass this, just five days into the official winter tourist season. While Gooding-Edghill did not disclose exact figures for December, he emphasized the collaborative efforts of airport staff and aviation stakeholders in achieving this milestone. On “Fat Thursday,” 53 aircraft, excluding cargo and private jets, are scheduled to land, including 21 commercial flights, 19 air-to-sea transfers, and regional carriers. Notably, five flights from Germany, operated by Discover Airlines, Condor, and TUI, will facilitate air-to-cruise port operations. The surge in arrivals reflects a broader expansion of services, including double daily flights from the UK, a first for the winter season. This initiative is part of a strategic effort to reduce tourism seasonality and build sustainable airlift capacity. Airlines such as Delta, American Airlines, and Air Canada are also extending services and deploying larger aircraft to strengthen connections. To manage the increased traffic, over 100 temporary seasonal workers have been hired by Caribbean Aircraft Handling and Goddard Catering Group. Gooding-Edghill stressed the importance of efficiency in handling the high volume of flights and passengers, ensuring a seamless experience for travelers.

  • Grantley Adams International ‘can now handle’ largest passenger plane

    Grantley Adams International ‘can now handle’ largest passenger plane

    In a significant move to enhance tourism and operational efficiency, the two primary aircraft handling companies at Barbados’ Grantley Adams International Airport have collectively invested over $17 million in state-of-the-art upgrades over the past two years. The investments, announced by Tourism and International Transport Minister Ian Gooding-Edghill during a tour of the Seawell facility, include advanced ground handling equipment, upgraded sky and airport dining services, and new facilities for air-to-sea passengers.

  • Building productive and business alliances that contribute to the country’s development

    Building productive and business alliances that contribute to the country’s development

    During the opening day of the Havana International Fair (Fihav) 2025, Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez highlighted the significance of the event as a testament to the nation’s resilience and creative resistance in the face of ongoing economic challenges. Addressing the Cuban press, Díaz-Canel emphasized that the fair, which runs from November 25 to November 29, serves as a platform to showcase Cuba’s potential and foster international partnerships. Despite the intensified U.S. economic blockade, the president underscored the importance of innovation, productivity, and alliances to overcome adversity. He noted that the fair enables Cuba to demonstrate its capabilities while learning from other nations, thereby building productive and business alliances crucial for the country’s development. Díaz-Canel also praised the presence of foreign businesspeople at the event, interpreting it as a sign of continued trust in Cuba. He acknowledged the challenges faced by these businesspeople, including unpaid debts and unmet commitments, yet highlighted their commitment to Cuba’s integrity and respect for their rights. The president also reflected on the participation of Cuban businesspeople living abroad, emphasizing their role in shaping the economic actors needed to build socialism in contemporary times. Díaz-Canel concluded by affirming Cuba’s determination to defend its present while striving for a better future, with the 41st edition of Fihav playing a pivotal role in this endeavor.

  • Arajet doubles daily flights to Newark as demand surges

    Arajet doubles daily flights to Newark as demand surges

    Santo Domingo – Arajet, the Dominican Republic’s rapidly growing airline, has announced a significant expansion of its services to New York–Newark (EWR), doubling its daily flights to two starting November 19. This move comes in response to robust seasonal demand and consistently high load factors exceeding 85%. The airline’s strategic focus on strengthening its foothold in the U.S. market aligns with its broader growth objectives.

  • Bravo Motors Leads Drive for Safer Highways in Belize

    Bravo Motors Leads Drive for Safer Highways in Belize

    In Belize, road traffic accidents have become a more significant threat to public safety than homicides, with 108 fatalities recorded in 2024 alone. This alarming statistic has prompted a nationwide dialogue on driver safety. In response, Bravo Motors, the local Isuzu dealer, has initiated a series of safe driving seminars aimed at delivery truck drivers. The program focuses on enhancing highway safety and reducing the devastating impact of collisions on lives and businesses.

  • IRD to expand digital service for tax compliance

    IRD to expand digital service for tax compliance

    The Inland Revenue Division (IRD) under Grenada’s Ministry of Finance has announced a landmark shift in tax administration. Beginning January 1, 2026, all individuals and businesses will be required to submit and process key tax types and licenses exclusively through the GTAX platform. This mandate covers Personal Income Tax (PIT), Corporate Income Tax (CIT), Pay As You Earn (PAYE), Gaming Tax, Excise Tax, Withholding Tax, Annual Stamp Tax, and all licenses. This move is a pivotal component of Grenada’s broader digital transformation strategy, aimed at enhancing efficiency, transparency, and convenience in tax management. The GTAX platform offers a secure, streamlined, and user-friendly interface, enabling taxpayers to view land and property details, check balances, and make payments via pay.gov.gd. While property tax assessments for 2026 will not be available on the platform, demand notices will be dispatched via post or email for registered users. The IRD urges taxpayers to register early at tax.gov.gd and acquaint themselves with the platform to ensure a seamless transition. The Ministry of Finance reaffirms its commitment to leveraging innovation and digital tools to improve public service delivery, fostering a more accessible and efficient tax environment. For assistance or further details, taxpayers are encouraged to visit ird.gd or contact the IRD directly.

  • Grenada Hospitals Authority: RFP – Finance Consultant/Specialist

    Grenada Hospitals Authority: RFP – Finance Consultant/Specialist

    The Government of Grenada, through the Hospitals Statutorisation Transition Team (HSTT), has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) for a Finance Consultant or Specialist to undertake a comprehensive review of the financing landscape for hospital services. This initiative is part of a broader effort to transition hospital management from the Ministry of Health to a new statutory health authority, aiming to enhance governance, accountability, and financial sustainability. The selected consultant will be tasked with developing a financing roadmap that includes a detailed financial baseline, a unified accounting framework, and actionable recommendations to improve financial transparency and efficiency. The project, which is expected to span three months from January to April 2026, will involve a thorough assessment of current financial systems, benchmarking against international standards, and the development of an implementation roadmap. Interested consultants must demonstrate relevant qualifications and experience, including a minimum of five years in finance or related fields, and submit their proposals by December 31, 2025. The HSTT emphasizes confidentiality and reserves the right to accept or reject any proposal without justification.

  • Jamaica Gleaner Editorial | CARICOM resilience bond

    Jamaica Gleaner Editorial | CARICOM resilience bond

    In a groundbreaking move to bolster economic resilience across the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the regional bloc has unveiled the CARICOM Resilience Bond. This innovative financial instrument aims to provide member states with critical resources to mitigate the impacts of natural disasters, climate change, and economic shocks. The bond is designed to attract both regional and international investors, offering a unique opportunity to support sustainable development while earning competitive returns. CARICOM leaders emphasize that the bond will prioritize investments in infrastructure, disaster preparedness, and climate adaptation projects, which are essential for the region’s long-term stability. The initiative reflects CARICOM’s proactive approach to addressing the vulnerabilities of small island developing states (SIDS) and fostering regional cooperation. Experts laud the bond as a strategic tool to enhance financial resilience, reduce dependency on external aid, and promote economic self-sufficiency. As the Caribbean faces increasing challenges from climate-related events, the CARICOM Resilience Bond is poised to play a pivotal role in safeguarding the region’s future.