Barbados and Venezuela Set Out a Multi-Destination Tourism Plan

Barbados and Venezuela have unveiled a plan for multi-destination tourism, aiming to attract visitors through combined trips across both countries. This joint announcement, signed in Caracas on August 24, signals the intention to market the Caribbean region as a unified destination. The tourism agreement itself remains unsigned, but a binational joint commission will oversee the implementation and meet annually in alternating capitals. Both governments will report progress bi-annually.

The plan includes air links, destination marketing, and shared practices to enhance the Caribbean's appeal. Conviasa, Venezuela's state airline, began flights to Barbados' Grantley Adams International Airport in September 2023, with plans for weekly rotations. However, a disruption occurred on January 3, affecting 73 people and causing 13 inbound flight cancellations.

Barbados' tourism sector contributed 16.9% of the island's GDP in 2025, while tourism value added grew by 3.1% in the first half of 2026. Despite this growth, a decline in stays and occupancy rates has been observed. The multi-destination tourism plan is designed to capitalize on the long-stay segment that has plateaued, with the goal of boosting visitor flows and economic benefits for both nations.