Barbados’ newest boutique property, South Point Hotel, has officially opened its doors, with Tourism Minister Ian Gooding-Edghill describing the investment as “a substantial and meaningful addition to Barbados’ accommodation landscape”.
Speaking at Friday evening’s opening ceremony, the minister indicated the development reflected growing investor confidence in the island’s hospitality sector and aligned with the government’s broader efforts to modernise and expand tourism through new policies and incentives aimed at stimulating economic growth.
Guests toasted to the hotel’s official opening.
The hotel’s owner, Al Way, said the project represents more than a business venture and described it as “a reflection of Barbadian pride and identity”.
His family-owned business, Kingsley Management, invested more than $15 million in renovating the property.
Way, who has visited Barbados for around 17 years, said he was inspired by the South Coast’s sense of ease and serenity, which became the guiding force behind the hotel’s design.
“I wanted to build a space that honoured these feelings – intimate and personal, thoughtfully designed and proudly Barbadian,” he said.
The hotelier spoke of the hotel’s commitment to employing Barbadians across all levels, offering training and advancement opportunities, and building partnerships with local farmers, fisherfolk and creatives.
He also noted ongoing collaborations with the Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association, Invest Barbados and the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc.
General Manager Tammy-Ann Blackett, with owner Al and Erin Way, completed the tradition of tying a ribbon on a tree to symbolise growth, renewal and good fortune.
Meanwhile, the minister said the government has established a single electronic window for investment in the tourism industry as one of its priorities and explained that the initiative is designed to streamline the process and improve efficiency.
Gooding-Edghill noted that the move forms part of the government’s ongoing ‘reconstruct and deconstruct’ policy, being implemented across ministries, departments and agencies. Among upcoming developments, an automatic approval facility for food and beverage concessions under the Tourism Development Act will soon be introduced via the ASYCUDA electronic platform of the Customs and Excise Department.
Highlighting tourism’s economic importance, the minister reported that the industry contributed just over $700 million to GDP in 2024 and $405 million during the first half of 2025.
He also revealed that more than $1.5 billion has been invested in the accommodation subsector amid the current construction boom.
“The government has facilitated investment in the development of high-quality products and services in the tourism industry by providing tax and customs duty concessions to the owners of tourism projects and products,” he said.
Gooding-Edghill added that the Ministry of Tourism remains committed to strengthening linkages between hotels, agriculture and other sectors, supported by a Cabinet-approved Tourism Linkages Policy aimed at reducing economic leakages and spreading the benefits of tourism development.
The minister also announced plans to enhance airlift to Barbados, including Air Canada’s introduction of its Dreamliner 787-9 service on October 26. (STT)
