As Barbados prepares to mark 60 years of independence in 2026, the island is gearing up for a landmark year of celebration, investment and innovation. A wave of new hotel openings, luxury re-launches and culturally immersive experiences, alongside a vibrant calendar of world class festivals and sporting events, will offer Irish travellers more reasons than ever to visit the island during this milestone year.
Over the past six decades, since its independence on 30th November 1966, Barbados has evolved from a newly independent nation into one of the Caribbean’s most dynamic and forward-thinking destinations. Five years since becoming a republic, the island continues to define its unique identity, known the world over. Today, Barbados stands more connected and globally recognised than ever before, blending modern development with its one-of-a-kind heritage and with a deep sense of national pride.
“As Barbados approaches 60 years of independence, we look forward to stepping into an exciting and action-packed year. The island is buzzing with new energy, from stunning hotel openings to the revival of some of our most iconic properties,” says Élan Mottley-Harris, UK Director at Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. “For those looking to visit, doing so during the year of our 60th anniversary offers an opportunity to reflect on our remarkable journey and celebrate how far the island has come. 2026 will be a year where Barbados shines brighter than ever, offering Irish travellers even more ways to experience our culture, our warmth and our world-class hospitality. We look forward to welcoming visitors to Barbados, whether it’s their first time visiting or whether they’re returning to the island they know and love, to celebrate this milestone year with us.”
The anniversary year will be underscored by a packed cultural and sporting calendar that showcases the very best of Barbadian life. Signature events include the iconic Crop Over Festival, a colourful celebration of music, dance and heritage that takes place each summer, highlighted by the island’s penultimate event the spectacular Grand Kadooment Day. Food lovers can immerse themselves at the Barbados Food & Rum Festival in November, an internationally acclaimed epicurean event celebrating the island’s culinary excellence and the fact it is the birthplace of rum, with award-winning chefs, mixologists and rum producers taking centre stage.
Sporting enthusiasts will also find plenty to enjoy. The Barbados Open Water Festival draws athletes from around the world each November for a weekend of competitive and recreational swims in crystal clear waters. The rebranded Run Barbados Marathon and Wellness Weekend, held in December, offers a unique race experience for runners and walkers at all levels of fitness, combining scenic coastal routes with a lively, festival atmosphere.
Cricket lovers will have even more reasons to visit, as Barbados is set to host matches of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) in 2026, including the final match during September, reaffirming the island’s status as one of the homes of the sport and delivering an electric atmosphere, once again, at the cricket mecca, Kensington Oval.
For passionate golfers, the prestigious Barbados Legends Championship will make its return in 2026, once again set against the breathtaking backdrop of Apes Hill, Barbados. Hosted by former Masters Champion Ian Woosnam, the championship brings together legendary figures of the game for a celebration of world-class golf, sporting heritage, and Bajan luxury. Perched high above the island’s west coast, Apes Hill offers sweeping panoramic views backdropped by the sea and a course renowned for both its beauty and its strategic challenge, providing an unforgettable stage for one of the most anticipated events on the golfing calendar.
As part of the celebrations, Barbados has also rolled out ‘Dine with a Bajan’ in time for the winter tourist season, which involves inviting visitors into local family homes to enjoy authentic, home-cooked Bajan meals. The programme encourages deeper interaction between locals and travellers, offering genuine cultural exchange and giving visitors the chance to experience Barbadian warmth and hospitality while eating like a local. The inaugural group of host families were each specially selected and trained in hospitality, health and safety, and culinary excellence.
Food lovers will also find Barbados rich with flavour-led experiences, including a visit to the Agapey Chocolate Factory in the heart of Bridgetown. The locally owned chocolate factory invites guests to discover the art of Barbadian chocolate-making through guided tours that trace the journey from cocoa bean to finished bar. With opportunities to learn about the production process, taste handcrafted chocolates, and explore the cultural significance of cocoa on the island, the Agapey Chocolate Factory provides a delicious and educational stop for travellers seeking to experience Barbados beyond its beaches.
Travellers to Barbados in 2026 can immerse themselves in the island’s creativity and heritage through a new artisanal experience rooted in local craftsmanship; Native Caribbean, a new Barbadian perfume brand that transforms locally grown sugarcane into distinctive, island-inspired fragrances. Visitors can go beyond simply sampling scents by taking part in hands-on experiences, including crafting their own reed diffusers or creating a bespoke perfume to take home. These intimate workshops offer a sensory journey into Barbados’ natural resources and storytelling traditions, blending sustainability, innovation, and luxury in a truly authentic way.
Located on the vibrant south coast, Hotel Indigo has newly opened with 132 stylish rooms. Celebrating the character and culture of its neighbourhood, the property will bring a fresh, contemporary lifestyle brand to the island, just in time for the anniversary year.
Blue Monkey, set on Barbados’ famed west coast, will open as part of the prestigious Small Luxury Hotels of the World portfolio. The hotel is expected to offer an intimate, design-forward experience that blends barefoot elegance with personalised service.
Following acquisition by Marriott, several beloved Elegant Hotels properties, Autograph Collection, Tribute Portfolio and The Luxury Collection, have reopened fully refreshed for travellers to enjoy in 2026. The Autograph Collection holds The House, Waves Hotel & Spa, Treasure Beach and Tamarind while the Tribute Portfolio is made up of Crystal Cove and Turtle Beach. The Luxury Collection consists of The Colony Club.
During Q2, Barbados will also welcome Royalton Vessence Barbados, an adults-only, all-inclusive resort introduced by Blue Diamond Resorts, the Caribbean’s most diverse portfolio of all-inclusive brands. Just 30 minutes from Grantley Adams International Airport, on the island’s coveted Platinum Coast, the resort will bring Blue Diamond Resorts’ signature “Party Your Way” energy to Barbados, combining sophistication with a playful, social spirit.
Looking beyond the anniversary year, Barbados’ luxury landscape will continue to grow with The Pendry, scheduled to open in 2027. This highly anticipated development promises to further elevate the island’s premium offering, reinforcing Barbados’ long-term commitment to innovation and world-class hospitality.
With its 60th independence anniversary as a backdrop, 2026 is set to be a significant year for Barbados. From an expanded luxury hotel scene to enriching cultural initiatives, the island is poised to offer travellers an unforgettable blend of heritage, celebration and new experiences.
