With its sights set on key Latin American markets, BTMI highlights Barbados’ diverse portfolio, which boasts a variety of internationally recognized sporting events and a full annual calendar of options that combine culture, competition, and Caribbean lifestyle.
“Barbados is a multifaceted tourist destination,” says Corey Garret, BTMI’s director for the Latin American market. “The island boasts essential elements such as pristine beaches and a vibrant nightlife, and our wellness and sports program holds hidden gems. As sports tourism becomes a key part of the tourism industry, we invite travelers to discover the variety of sports and wellness activities available in Barbados.”
Barbados hosts numerous sporting and wellness events and festivals annually. The island invites sports enthusiasts from around the world to join in the fun and participate in various competitions and culturally significant events. Visitors can enjoy a wide variety of the island’s iconic events, such as:
Cricket: Celebrate the cricket culture that runs through the veins of the island, whether at the world-famous Kensington Oval or one of the many cricket grounds scattered across Barbados. Experience the adrenaline rush of the Caribbean’s national sport in its birthplace. While it’s a year-round passion on the island, the cricket season typically runs from April to December. This year, Barbados will host the Caribbean Premier League at the iconic Kensington Oval, renowned for its rich history in the world of cricket. The knockout rounds begin in Barbados on September 16, 2026. The choice of Kensington Oval underscores its status as one of the most prestigious cricket venues in the world. The Caribbean Premier League Finals are more than just a celebration of the sport: fans can look forward to vibrant entertainment, delicious local cuisine and rum, and a variety of cultural events at and around the Oval. Come watch the cricket and stay for the party!
Run Barbados Marathon and Wellness Weekend: This event takes place from December 3rd to 6th and attracts runners and walkers of all levels from around the world. Run Barbados is the largest marathon in the Caribbean and guarantees an energetic weekend combined with a wellness program, local cuisine, and cultural immersion. The event draws participants of all ages to the seaside run and is a vibrant blend of culture, fun, and exercise.
Road Tennis – In Barbados, the street isn’t just for cars; it’s a stage. Road tennis, invented on the island in 1930, has transformed the asphalt into a court. Armed with solid wood rackets and the inside of a tennis ball, players have turned quiet streets into courts roughly 3 by 6.4 meters, often marking the area with just a piece of plywood. The game is incredibly fast-paced, with players ducking to reach 21 points, while spectators watch inches away, cheering and tingling with every point. Road tennis is played year-round, offering numerous opportunities for visitors to try the sport or watch matches in the communities where it originated. In Barbados, road tennis is more than just a sport: it’s the essence of Barbadian creativity, community, and pride, on full display in the sun-drenched streets.
Water sports: In August, a multi-day festival called Dive Fest Barbados will take place, celebrating scuba diving, freediving, marine conservation, and marine life. The Dive Fest program includes various competitions and events, from photography contests and lionfish hunting and tasting to introductory scuba diving lessons.
Golf: For golf enthusiasts, Barbados boasts several picturesque and lush courses, including the luxurious Apes Hill Barbados, Green Monkey at Sandy Lane, and Royal Westmoreland, designed by golf architect Robert Trent Jones Jr. The Barbados Legends golf tournament will be held from April 23-26 at Apes Hill, hosted by Ian Woosnam. The tournament includes a professional-amateur championship and a main championship. Given the island’s tropical climate, golf is a popular tourist attraction for luxury travelers year-round.
Polo Season: Held between December and April, during the island’s peak season, polo is an exciting and elegant social event. Barbados hosts the Barbados Gold Cup, which combines culture and luxury, offering visitors the opportunity to experience equestrian excellence in the Caribbean.
Lifestyle + Wellness: Wellness enthusiasts will find virtually limitless options when visiting Barbados. The perfect place for beach yoga, meditation, and even Pilates, Barbados also promotes island living with local and eco-friendly dining options. Visitors can enjoy hiking and a sustainable, eco-conscious lifestyle at the biodynamic Peg Farm Nature Sanctuary, which also offers camping options, in the 21-hectare Coco Hills Forest, a sustainable agroforestry area, and at the award-winning Walkers Institute for Educational Design and Regenerative Research [WIRRED], a vibrant ecological reserve.
From intense sports to festivals and wellness programs, Barbados offers an unparalleled lifestyle and sporting experience. Visitors and residents alike can enjoy culture, adventure, and wellness on the beautiful and vibrant island of Barbados.
Fuente: Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc.
