Barbados
Barbados is emerging as a regional leader in sustainable destination development. Recently awarded Green Destination of the Year by Green Destinations at ITB Berlin, the island is gaining recognition for its environmental and cultural vision.
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Mia Mottley, Barbados is addressing climate change head-on—reducing reliance on imported food and energy while strengthening local resilience. Tourism plays a key role in this transformation, with a renewed focus on environmental stewardship and Bajan identity.
Why Sustainability?
Tourism is a cornerstone of Barbados’ economy, making up over 14% of its GDP in 2021. Yet, the island’s dependence on tourism, food and energy imports, combined with climate threats like rising sea levels and coastal erosion, make it highly vulnerable. These pressures have pushed Barbados to pursue bold sustainability goals, including a transition to being fossil-fuel free by 2030.
The island is now focused on balancing economic needs with environmental responsibility—shaping a tourism industry that supports local livelihoods while protecting the natural assets it depends on. Regenerative tourism is at the heart of this effort, aiming to restore ecosystems and empower communities for long-term resilience.
Destination Changemaker Stories
Barbados is celebrated for its stunning beaches and vibrant tourism sector. Yet, as a small island nation, it faces complex sustainability challenges—from climate vulnerability to food and energy security. A growing movement of changemakers is working to address these issues through innovation and community engagement.
- Mahmood Patel – Coco Hill Forest: Founder of Coco Hill Forest, Mahmood is advancing agroforestry and sustainable tourism in Barbados, offering nature-based solutions to environmental and food security challenges.
- Ché Greenidge – BECT: As Executive Director of the Barbados Environmental Conservation Trust, Ché shares her personal path to sustainability and how BECT empowers grassroots efforts across the island.
- Ronnie Carrington – Photographer & Guide: Ronnie integrates responsible travel into his photography tours, capturing the island’s natural beauty and community spirit while advocating for a more sustainable tourism model.
- Dr. Jens Thraenhart – Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc.: Jens presents the "Be Bajan" concept as a blend of community-centered tourism and strategic place branding—shaping a more authentic and sustainable visitor experience.
- Ian McNeel – WIRRED & The Local: Founder of WIRRED and The Local Barbados, Ian is pioneering regenerative practices through food, education, and community engagement, driving long-term sustainability in the Caribbean context.
Together, these leaders are helping to shape a more resilient and inclusive future for tourism in Barbados—grounded in culture, community, and climate action.
Their Sustainability Approach
Barbados is weaving social sustainability into its broader tourism and development strategy by putting Bajan culture at the center. The aim is to strengthen cultural identity, empower communities, and highlight what the country stands for through authentic, locally rooted experiences.
Key initiatives supporting this effort include:
- Encouraging community-driven tourism, where visitors can take part in volunteer activities such as coral restoration, turtle rescue, marine conservation, and community planting projects.
- Reclaiming abandoned railway networks for public use—enabling cycling, hiking, and jogging routes that benefit both residents and visitors.
- Emphasizing Bajan culture in national tourism planning, with a focus on poverty reduction through skill-building and job creation, while safeguarding ancestral knowledge and traditions.
- Partnering with cruise lines to employ more local talent, supporting job creation and providing staffing solutions for cruise operators post-pandemic.
Inclusiveness:
To ensure more equitable distribution of tourism benefits, Barbados is developing the Bajan Treasures Collection, launching in phases from late 2023. This initiative promotes low-season travel and involves small enterprises across the island, helping build a resilient tourism economy through consistent income, stronger SME capacity, and improved marketing access for smaller actors.
Green Energy Transition:
As an import-dependent island with limited oil reserves and agricultural land, Barbados faces high costs for food and energy. The nation is committed to becoming the first carbon-neutral island state by 2030, guided by the Barbados National Energy Policy. Key priorities include:
- Expanding the use of electric and hybrid vehicles for greener mobility.
- Improving energy efficiency through appliance standards and phasing out inefficient lighting.
- Providing financial incentives for decarbonisation, including grants, loans, tax rebates, and duty exemptions.
- Eliminating fossil-fuel-based power generation and single-use plastics.
Other Initiatives:
Barbados is also working to ensure more tourism revenue stays within the local economy. The “Brands of Barbados” campaign promotes locally made products through “100% Bajan” and “Buy Bajan” labels—encouraging tourists to support local makers and enterprises during their visit.
More on Barbados & Sustainability
For more on Barbados' sustainability vision, policies, and community-driven initiatives:
- Barbados Tourism Master Plan 2014–2023 – A national strategy to ensure inclusive growth, sustainability, and resilience in tourism.
- Barbados National Energy Policy – Outlines Barbados’ commitment to becoming the first carbon-neutral small island developing state by 2030.
- Sustainable Tourism Island Stories – Profiles of local changemakers advancing regenerative tourism on the island.
- Community Projects for Visitors – Learn how visitors can support coral restoration, turtle rescue, and other conservation efforts during their stay.
Follow Barbados Online
This showcase was originally published by Sustainability Leaders United, as part of its global series highlighting destinations advancing sustainable tourism and regenerative development.
Barbados was also featured in the first Sustainability Leaders Yearbook, celebrating destinations that demonstrate a strong commitment to environmental stewardship, community empowerment, and long-term resilience.