Barbados remains one of the Caribbean’s premium destinations, blending pristine beaches, vibrant culture, luxury resorts and growing connectivity to North America and beyond.
In 2024, the island recorded 704,340 stay-over visitors, marking a 10.6 % increase compared to previous years and even slightly surpassing pre-pandemic 2019 levels.
Cruise traffic also surged by around 24.5 % in the same period.
Tourism continues to be a vital pillar of Barbados’ economy and is expanding into new markets and experiences.
Key Stats: Barbados Tourism
- ~636,540 stay-over visitors in 2023 — a strong rebound in Barbados’ long-stay tourism segment.
- In December alone, Barbados welcomed 76,839 stay-over visitors, showing a robust high-season month.
- The cruise market is surging: for Oct-Dec 2023, Barbados took in 227,548 cruise passengers from 131 calls, many of which used the island as home-port.
- The 2023/24 winter season projected 392 cruise calls and ~715,500 cruise passengers, up significantly year-on-year.
- Average stay among long-stay visitors in Sept 2023 was about 11.5 days, slightly shorter than 2022’s ~12.9 days.
- Early 2025 figures show a 5.4% increase in stay-over arrivals (503 000 visitors Jan–Aug), with the U.S. overtaking the U.K. as the top source market.
- Looking ahead: forecasts suggest arrivals could drop to ~1.02 million by 2028, highlighting challenges ahead.
How Many Tourists Visit Barbados Each Year?
Barbados received approximately 704,340 stay-over visitors in 2024, up 10.6 % year-on-year and exceeding the 2019 benchmark.
Cruise arrivals also climbed, with around 816,400 cruise passengers in 2024 — up significantly from 2023.
- 2019: ~692,658 stay-over visitors.
- 2022: ~442,576 stay-over visitors.
- 2023: ~636,540 stay-over visitors.
- 2024: ~704,340 stay-over visitors (+10.6 %).
Crucially, the rebound reflects both volume and expanding markets, with the United States showing strong growth.
How Much Do Visitors Spend in Barbados?
Publicly detailed spending figures for Barbados remain more limited in recent releases.
The 2023 “Economic and Social Report” indicates significant contribution to foreign exchange earnings from visitor arrivals.
Cruise and stay-over growth suggest increasing spend, but precise average expenditure per visitor requires deeper data.
Which Countries Visit Barbados the Most?
The principal source markets show shifting dynamics, with the United States gaining importance and the United Kingdom remaining significant.
| Country | Visitors (2024 est.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 United States | ~228,128 | +29 % compared to 2023 |
| 🇬🇧 United Kingdom | ~239,045 | Slight decline (~-2 %) but still above 2019 levels |
| 🇨🇦 Canada | ~87,142 | +13 % growth |
| 🌍 Other markets | — | Barbados is expanding new air-routes and emerging markets, including Black American travellers and increased Caribbean region traffic |
What Are the Most Visited Attractions in Barbados?
Barbados offers a blend of beach resorts, heritage sites and natural attractions — though detailed annual visitor numbers are not always published.
| Attraction | Notes / Estimated Visitors* |
|---|---|
| Carlisle Bay | One of the most visited beaches on the west coast |
| Historic Bridgetown & Garrison | UNESCO World Heritage Site — heritage attraction |
| Farley Hill National Park | Scenic attraction, often used for events and weddings |
| Bathsheba Beach & East Coast | Natural rugged coast, surfing destination |
| Mount Gay Rum Distillery Tour | Cultural/heritage tourism experience |
| Harrison’s Cave | Indoor cave tour attraction |
*Visitor-specific numbers are limited; these are known high-traffic attraction categories.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Barbados?
Barbados offers year-round tourism, but patterns reflect Caribbean climate and airlift schedules.
| Season | Visitor Trend | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Winter (Dec–Apr) | Peak | Optimal weather, high air-connectivity, many events |
| Shoulder (May–Jun) | Moderate | Slightly lower rates, good value |
| Summer (Jul–Aug) | Moderate/High | Warm weather, increased family travel & cruise calls |
| Autumn (Sep–Nov) | Lower | Hurricane risk increases; some value deals |
Hotels Snapshot
Accommodation supply and occupancy in Barbados is presenting positive signs of recovery and growth.
- As of 2023: approximately 6,954 rooms in registered hotels/apartments.
- Vacation rental and non-hotel accommodation growth is gaining traction, with an estimated 13,000+ vacation rental rooms referenced.
- Air services and increased seat capacity from the U.S. and Europe are supporting hotel demand.
Key Trends & Challenges
- The shift in source markets: U.S. visitors overtaking traditional UK dominance indicates evolving market dynamics.
- Cruise tourism is rebounding strongly; high-value cruise brands selecting Barbados as a key stop.
- Sustainable tourism goals and accommodation management (e.g., vacation rentals) are becoming more central to policy discussions.
- Hurricane and climate risk remains a structural challenge for the destination, affecting seasonality and long-term resilience.
FAQ – Barbados Tourism Insights
How many visitors come to Barbados each year?
Barbados recorded approximately 704,340 stay-over visitors in 2024, marking a 10.6 % increase from the previous year.
Which markets are the most important for Barbados?
The United States is now the largest source market, followed by the United Kingdom and Canada.
When is the best time to visit Barbados?
The best period to visit is during the winter months (December to April), when the weather is optimal and flight connectivity is strongest.
What is a major challenge for Barbados tourism?
Continued reliance on key source markets, climate vulnerability and managing accommodation supply (including vacation rentals) are critical challenges shaping the island’s tourism strategy.
Sources
- Barbados Today — Tourism Soars: Record-Breaking Visitor Numbers
- iWitness News — US Unseats UK as Barbados’ Main Tourism Source Market
- Barbados Statistical Service — Visitor Arrival Statistics – Stay-Over Tourist Arrivals by Month
- Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI) — Message from the CEO Andrea Franklin (BTMI)
- Tourism Analytics — Barbados Tourism Performance Statistics – Latest Updates
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