Barbados hails strong bookings as it looks forward to BA Gatwick service

Barbados has reported strong bookings for 2026 and 2027 while looking forward to a raft of property openings and the addition of a British Airways flight from Gatwick.

Élan Mottley-Harris, UK director of Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc., said bookings are “well ahead” of the same point last year.

“It was a very slow start to 2025, so 2026 is definitely showing a vast improvement,” she said. “We’re also pacing really well for 2027 already, based on talking to our tour operators and travel agents, so it is positive.”

Asked whether the Iran conflict had resulted in increased interest in Barbados, Mottley-Harris said the destination has always been viewed as a safe place to visit.

“Our strength is we’re a stable destination and easy to get to,” she added.

Travel agents have spoken about being pleased refurbished Marriott properties are on sale, Mottley-Harris said, while new or soon-to-open accommodation is also attracting interest.

IHG’s Hotel Indigo Bridgetown Barbados opened earlier in the year, while upcoming properties on the west coast include Royalton Luxury Resorts’ Royalton Vessence, Blue Monkey Hotel & Beach Club and Pendry Hotels & Resorts’ Pendry Barbados.

The destination will also benefit from BA’s introduction of a flight from Gatwick in October for the winter season, in addition to its Heathrow service, Mottley-Harris added. 

Barbados’ recent roadshow, taking in four UK cities, gave an opportunity to ensure agents know about the new product as well as Barbados’ desire to be widely recognised as a year-round destination.

“More customers are taking the opportunity to come to Barbados the whole year round,” said Mottley-Harris.

Weddings, honeymoons and hen parties form a significant part of the destination’s strategy.

“We’re reminding people that romance is strong in Barbados. We’re happy for you to have your wedding there – and it’s easy to have your wedding there,” Mottley-Harris said, adding that clients also visit to renew their vows.

This year, another focus is the diaspora market, she said, noting that the 60th anniversary of the island’s independence and fifth anniversary as a republic would attract UK visitors with Barbados heritage.

“It’s a very important year from that point of view. We want to share more about our culture and our heritage and where we are and where we’re going,” Mottley-Harris said.

Fam trip plans are currently being drawn up. In the meantime, agents are being directed to Barbados Elite Club’s offer of double points for Aer Lingus bookings.