We, the undersigned, respectfully urge the Government of Barbados to suspend forward progress on the Tourist Accommodation Bill, 2025 in its current form and to undertake a redrafting process that more effectively addresses the concerns of all stakeholders.

Support for Standards, Concern with Execution
We acknowledge and support the Government’s intention to uphold standards in the accommodation sector. High-quality and safe accommodation is vital to maintaining Barbados’s reputation as a premier tourism destination. However, as currently drafted, the Bill does not sufficiently address the most pressing issues in the sector and risks disproportionately disadvantaging small and locally owned operators while creating competitive advantages for large international chains.

Recent data shows that over 6,000 short-term rental listings operate across the island, the majority run by small-scale Barbadian owners. These operators contribute significantly to the local economy on a per-capita basis compared to international hotel groups.

Economic and Social Impacts
If implemented as drafted, the Bill could lead to a reduction of a substantial portion of these listings. The resulting economic effects would extend beyond property owners to include:

• Housekeepers, groundskeepers, and maintenance staff
• Taxi operators and other transportation providers
• Small businesses, restaurants, and local shops
• Ancillary service providers

Additionally, restrictions on rental flexibility may reduce foreign investment in local real estate, particularly from seasonal homeowners who rely on short-term rentals to offset costs. Such outcomes could place downward pressure on property values and broader economic activity.

Diversity of Visitor Needs
Barbados attracts a wide spectrum of travelers, not all of whom are seeking luxury or five-star accommodations. Many visitors, particularly families and budget-conscious travelers, rely on affordable short-term rentals in order to visit the island. Others may deliberately choose simpler lodging so they can allocate more of their spending toward local dining, entertainment, and cultural activities, which contributes directly to the wider economy.

It is also important to recognize that some tourists actively seek authentic Barbadian experiences that reflect local culture, architecture, and lifestyle. Small and locally operated rentals often provide this in ways that large, standardized hotels cannot. By limiting these options, the Bill risks narrowing Barbados’s tourism product to a more homogenized model that does not reflect the diversity or richness of Barbadian society.

Accessibility and Infrastructure
We recognize the importance of improving accessibility for persons with disabilities. However, the requirements outlined in the Bill appear to place heavier obligations on small operators than the government currently meets in public infrastructure. For example, the absence of consistent sidewalks, ramps, and accessible public transport along key tourist corridors limits inclusivity regardless of accommodation standards.

To ensure fairness, private-sector requirements should be accompanied by public investment and a phased, supportive approach that considers financial feasibility for small operators.

Need for Incentives and Support
While the Bill outlines penalties for non-compliance, it does not provide mechanisms to assist operators in meeting new standards. By contrast, large international hotel groups have historically benefited from duty concessions, tax incentives, and other state-supported measures when establishing operations in Barbados. We urge that any updated legislation include:

• Access to grants, low-interest loans, or tax incentives for compliance upgrades
• Technical guidance and training for small operators
• A phased compliance schedule to ease the transition

Implementation Capacity
The Bill envisions comprehensive inspections of thousands of properties within a short timeframe. Given current constraints, such as lengthy wait times for inspections in areas like electrical certification, it is difficult to see how this would be carried out effectively and equitably. Without significant administrative capacity-building, the risk of delays and inconsistent enforcement is high.

Call for Consultation
We respectfully recommend that the Government table this legislation and initiate broad consultations with:

• Owners and operators of short-term rental properties
• Employees and service providers dependent on the sector
• Guests and users of these services
• Major platform providers, whose existing policies may conflict with the draft legislation
• The general public

Through meaningful consultation, a revised Bill can be crafted that balances the Government’s objectives with the realities of small operators and the broader economy. Such a process will help ensure that the final legislation protects Barbados’s tourism reputation while supporting sustainable economic growth and local entrepreneurship.