Introduction to Barbados’ Growing Popularity

Barbados is making waves in the Gulf. Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI) announced a strong 31 percent jump in visitor arrivals from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region in 2024, as more travellers from the Middle East look to the Caribbean for authentic, luxury getaways.

Leading the surge was the United Arab Emirates, with a 30 percent increase in arrivals, closely followed by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which posted a 36 percent rise. Oman also stood out with an eye-catching 104 percent spike in visitors to the island compared to the previous year.

The upswing reflects a growing appetite among GCC residents for long-haul, high-end leisure travel to culturally rich destinations. Barbados’ pristine beaches, dynamic culinary scene, and range of family-friendly and wellness experiences are clearly striking a chord—especially with the addition of luxury, family-oriented all-inclusive resorts that are proving popular with Middle Eastern families.

Leaders’ Insights

“We are incredibly proud to see Barbados striking a chord with discerning travellers from the GCC who seek authenticity, luxury and enriching experiences,” said BTMI CEO Andrea Franklin. She added that the strong numbers bolster Barbados’ commitment to investing in the region and growing its global tourism presence. Franklin also pointed to the appointment of Kyle Gittens as BTMI’s new Director of Emerging Markets as part of their strategy to build on this momentum.

“The GCC continues to show strong potential as an emerging source market,” Gittens said. “Travellers from this region are seeking unique, meaningful experiences, and Barbados delivers on that promise—from immersive island culture to unmatched hospitality.”

Marketing Strategy and Success

BTMI’s success has been fueled by a tailored marketing approach, including media campaigns, partnerships with travel trade organizations, and destination promotions that speak directly to the tastes of GCC travellers. Their collaboration with dnata Representation Services has also helped amplify Barbados’ brand across the region.

As Barbados continues to diversify its visitor base, the GCC market is shaping up to be a key piece of the island’s long-term tourism growth strategy.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Barbados is experiencing a significant surge in popularity among GCC travellers, driven by its unique blend of luxury, culture, and family-friendly experiences. With a strong marketing strategy in place, the island is well-positioned to continue growing its tourism industry and attracting visitors from this emerging market.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is driving the growth of tourism in Barbados from the GCC region?

A: The growth is driven by a growing appetite among GCC residents for long-haul, high-end leisure travel to culturally rich destinations, as well as Barbados’ unique blend of luxury, culture, and family-friendly experiences.

Q: Which countries are leading the surge in visitor arrivals to Barbados?

A: The United Arab Emirates, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and Oman are leading the surge, with significant increases in visitor arrivals.

Q: What is Barbados’ strategy to build on this momentum?

A: Barbados is investing in the region, growing its global tourism presence, and appointing new directors to focus on emerging markets, as well as collaborating with travel trade organizations and destination promotions to amplify its brand.