Kenya and Barbados - a tourism and business partnership poised for growth

Kenya and Barbados stand on the verge of a thriving tourism and trade partnership, driven by shared values, travel policies, and business opportunities.

The two nations may differ in size, but their cultural richness, economic ambitions, and mutual openness to growth make them natural allies in a changing global landscape.

This vision was brought to life during week-long engagements between Barbados’ top leaders and Kenyan media, government representatives, and stakeholders.

Among them, Alexander W McDonald, Barbados Ambassador to Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda; Jovan Reid, Deputy Chief of Mission, High Commission of Barbados to Kenya; and Kyle Gittens, Director of Emerging Markets, Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc.

"We see a growing connection between Barbados and Kenya. Kenyan travelers are adventurers at heart, and we are here to introduce the gem of the Caribbean,  its culture, heritage, and world-class experiences," Gittens shared during the engagements.

Barbados, a 430-square-kilometer island, may seem far removed from Kenya, a vast nation spanning 580,367 square kilometers, yet the two nations complement each other economically and culturally.

With Kenya's population of 55.6 million and Barbados’ 285,000, the potential for growth in business, employment, and tourism exchange is immense.

Ambassador MacDonald said Barbados has already emerged as one of the top-ranked global destinations out of 100 countries, winning the prestigious Green Destinations Story Award for its efforts in climate and environmental sustainability.

Kenya, with its rich tourism heritage, provides an attractive market for Barbados' expansion into Africa.

"Kenya’s economic growth makes it one of Africa’s rising markets, and our goal is to explore shared opportunities, whether in tourism, trade, or employment, thus bridging two unique worlds,” he said

Barbados Tourism - A rising destination for Kenyan travelers
Gittens said interest in Barbados among Kenyan travelers is gaining momentum, noting that Kenyan arrivals have surged, tripling from 71 visitors in 2023 to nearly 200 in 2024.

Located just eight hours by air from major international hubs, Barbados is closer than it seems for Kenyan travelers, and with its pristine beaches, UNESCO heritage sites, and festivals, such as the vibrant Crop Over Festival, makes Barbados an exciting destination for both relaxation and adventure,” said the Tourism Director.

He said Barbados has witnessed increased Kenyan interest. He said his country was deepening efforts to attract travelers and businesses from Kenya, because there were numerous employment and investment opportunities.

Kenya’s talent, he said, meets Barbados' needs.

“Beyond tourism, Barbados faces an acute labour shortage, creating an opportunity for skilled Kenyan professionals in sectors such as academia, engineering, and medicine, and Kenya’s educated, English-speaking workforce was an ideal match for Barbados’ expanding industries,” highlighted Jovan, Head of Missions.

Economically, Barbados maintains a robust GDP per capita of $20,000, compared to Kenya’s $2,000, with one Barbados dollar valued at Ksh64, a dynamic that makes investment in finance, real estate, and trade particularly appealing.

"There is a growing potential for economic collaboration, and beyond tourism, we see opportunities in banking, insurance, and employment," McDonald emphasised.

A Celebration of culinary heritage and shared culture

The week-long engagements culminated in a Caribbean Pool Party at Tribe Hotel, where Chef Javon Cummings showcased Barbados’ fusion cuisine, blending African, European, and Caribbean influences.

Kenyan guests enjoyed a cooking demonstration, featuring the island’s signature dishes, including Flying fish and cou-cou, Barbados’ national dish, the legendary Oistins Fish Fry, a culinary staple that pairs fresh seafood with bold Caribbean spices, and homemade herb-infused dishes, revealing unexpected similarities with Kenyan flavours.

"Cooking is an art, and you would be surprised how many of Barbados’ flavors are rooted in Africa," Chef Javon shared.

As Barbados awakens to new opportunities, the potential for a tourism and trade bridge with Kenya is stronger than ever. Ambassador McDonald affirmed that business partnerships, investment opportunities, and increased tourism awareness would strengthen the bond between the two nations.

"We have Barbadians living in Kenya, and Kenyans in Barbados," McDonald concluded. "Now, we must create the missing link - awareness, direct flights, and collaboration, to allow everything else to flow naturally."