Connect Barbados 2025 Opens with a Taste of Culture and Strategy
Barbados has officially launched Connect Barbados 2025, its flagship B2B tourism forum, from June 23 to 26 at the luxurious Wyndham Grand Barbados Resort, Sam Lord's Castle. Organized by Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI), the event marks the return of the island’s premier travel trade show after a five-year hiatus, aiming to forge strategic alliances and spotlight Barbados’ evolving tourism offering.
Bringing together tour operators, travel agencies, specialized media, and local suppliers, including from Latin America, the event provides a dynamic platform for networking, business sessions, and immersive cultural experiences. Through curated one-on-one meetings, Connect Barbados fosters new partnerships and showcases the best of the destination’s accommodations, attractions, and experiential tourism.
A standout feature is the revival of the Connect Barbados Awards, last held in 2019, which will honor international partners who have made significant contributions to promoting Barbados globally.
The 2025 edition also brings a gastronomic twist under the theme "From Street to Chic: A Gastronomic Journey Awaits." Attendees will enjoy a culinary journey from traditional rum shops and food trucks to refined fine dining, celebrating the island’s rich culinary heritage with a modern flair designed to captivate international palates.
Andrea Franklin, CEO of BTMI, hailed the return of Connect Barbados as a milestone for both the island and the international tourism community, emphasizing its role in driving sustainable growth, opening new business channels, and solidifying Barbados’ position on the global stage.
For the Latin American market, participation holds particular relevance. With steady growth in visitor arrivals and enhanced air connectivity—notably Copa Airlines' flights from Panama—Barbados is becoming a strategic destination for MICE tourism and leisure travelers across the region.
Connect Barbados 2025 represents more than just a return—it signals a bold step forward for the Caribbean's tourism sector, merging business development, cultural immersion, and hospitality excellence in a destination poised for continued evolution.
