The Barbados government is opening a new office in Panama City, Panama, as it moves to further deepen its relationship with Latin America (LATAM). 

The Tourism and International Transport Minister, Ian Gooding-Edghill is hopeful that such a move will aid Barbados in continuing to strengthen the relationship and marketing efforts in the region and further demonstrate the confidence in this market for the growth of the tourism industry. 

Minister Edghill is confident that with the return of the Copa Airlines flight connecting Barbados to LATAM countries, the Caribbean destination has facilitated the arrivals of thousands of travellers, including those looking to enjoy the destination under Barbados’ 12-month WelcomeStamp visa. 

Latin America is poised to be an important market for the growth of the tourism industry and trade relations with different partners in the region. Barbados has continued to see an increase in arrivals from Brazilian and Latin American travellers and is looking to continue its growth by welcoming more visitors through direct services via Copa Airlines. 

Barbados is heavily reliant on tourism for economic growth and job creation. This new extension in Panama City will see the country benefiting from greater inflows, which would drive up growth and help to put the country back to pre-pandemic levels.