Connect Barbados 2026 concluded with its highest buyer participation on record, following a week of industry meetings and networking held from June 22 to 26 under the theme Rooted in Culture, Powered by Partnership.
The
event closed with an awards ceremony at Harbour Lights Barbados’ Beach
Extravaganza Dinner Show in Carlisle Bay.
The
Barbados Tourism Marketing presented 20 awards to individuals and organisations
in the tourism, media, and travel sectors for their contributions to promoting
Barbados.
The
ceremony featured cultural performances, including dancers, fire breathers,
masqueraders, and stilt walkers, highlighting the island’s hospitality and
creative traditions.
2026
Connect Barbados Award Recipients
- Damian
Hall – Best Festival/Event Story
- Jelle De
Bont – Best Sports Story
- Janiece
Campbell – Best Heritage Story
- Clarissa
Hyman – Best Culinary Story
- Corinne
Pierre Louis – Best Romance Story
- Hakeem
Thompson – Best Destination Photo
- Pearson
Bowen & Mornin’ Barbados Team, CBC TV 8 – Contribution to Barbados’ Tourism
Sector
- Ruel
Forde & Mornin’ Barbados Team, CBC TV 8 – Contribution to Barbados’ Tourism
Sector
- Classic
Vacations – Largest Increase in Room Nights
- Sonnenklar
– Largest Increase in Bookings
- Angela
Prinssen – Top Producing Agent by Value
- Kemberly
Maharaj – Top Producing Agent by Bookings
- TUI
Marella – Long-standing Homeporting Cruise Line
- Travel
Counsellors – Top Performer Based on Engagement and Innovation 2025
- Newton
Bastiampillai – Top Performer Based on Engagement and Innovation Winter
2025-2026
- O2 Beach
Club & Spa – Local Partner Appreciation Award (Hotel)
- UVA
Barbados – Local Partner Appreciation Award
- Caribbean
Airlines – 2026 Trade Award for Outstanding Organic Growth and Top Performance
(Winter 2025-2026)
- Air
Canada – 2026 Trade Award for Exceptional Growth and Performance (Winter
2025-2026)
- British
Airways – 2026 Trade Award for Notable Growth and Performance (Winter
2025-2026)
During
the ceremony, Minister of Tourism, the Hon. Ian Gooding-Edghill, addressed
attendees, acknowledging the critical importance of tourism to the nation’s
economy and expressing deep appreciation for all who promote and support
Barbados.
“Thank you for all the hard work and the
sterling contribution that you continue to make, as travel partners, as members
of the media and as very kind supporters of Barbados.”
Cheryl
Carter, BTMI Chief Operations Officer, also captured the spirit of the event,
remarking, “As we gather for the final evening of Connect Barbados 2026, I am
filled with an overwhelming sense of gratitude, pride and optimism. Over the
past several days, we trust that we have created a space where relationships
have been strengthened, new opportunities have emerged, and meaningful
connections have been forged. She stressed that the event’s theme was more than
a slogan as it reflected every meeting, conversation, shared meal and every new
relationship formed throughout this week.
Carter extended thanks to sponsors and partners, including Hilton Barbados Resort as the host hotel, and Harbour Lights full name for hosting the unforgettable closing celebration. “This year, Connect Barbados welcomed 92 international buyers representing 83 companies, the strongest buyer participation in the event's history. Together with 111 local tourism partners and suppliers, you have helped create one of the most successful editions of Connect Barbados to date.” -TradeArabia News Service