Barbados continues to reaffirm its position as the Caribbean’s leading sports tourism destination, celebrating 36 years of hosting one of the longest-running international sporting events, Sun, Sea and Slam Bridge Tournament.
This year’s event is set to take place from February 9th to 14th at the Barbados Beach Club and will see over 250 international participants, mainly from Canada and the United States of America.
Since its inception in October 1990, this annual bridge tournament has become a staple on Barbados’ sporting events calendar. The longevity of this tournament is a testament to its loyal international following and Barbados’ ability to consistently deliver high-quality visitor experiences.
Speaking during the February 5th press conference, President of the Barbados Bridge League, Roglyn Hinds, reaffirmed Barbados as the chosen host for the annual tournament.
Mrs. Hinds expressed that the island gives participants an escape from the harsh winters, an opportunity to indulge and enjoy the warmth and beauty of the destination while competing in the Bridge Tournament.
Consistent Visitation
This year marks the third consecutive year that Sun, Sea and Slam has attracted more than 250 international visitors, some of whom extend their stay to further enjoy the island.
The tournament remains popular in Canada, and this can be attributed to Barbara Seagram, a Barbadian based in Canada, whose extensive connections within international bridge circles have helped drive consistent participation.
Manager of Sports, at the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc., Kamal Springer, noted that this consistency is rare and highlights Barbados’ appeal as a destination of choice.
This demand is so strong that the Barbados Beach Club, one of the sponsors for the event, is already fully booked well ahead of the 2026 edition and there are early indicators that suggest the 2027 edition is also set to be fully sold out.
Springer said: “Barbados is also strengthening ties with the World Bridge Federation with the hopes of positioning the island to host even larger bridge events in the future.”
Strong Events Calendar for 2026
Barbados’ 2026 sports calendar continues to build momentum. Rally Barbados and the Barbados Ninja Throwdown both reported record visitation in 2025 and are already showing growth for this year.
The Barbados Open Water Swim, the Roger Boyce Classic and the IFBB Professional Bodybuilding World Cup are also expanding, while the island prepares to welcome visitors from around the world for the Caribbean Premier League Finals September 16th to 20th.
As Barbados continues to expand its footprint in the global tourism market, Sun, Sea and Slam stands as a celebration of camaraderie and hospitality. Sponsors are encouraged to get involved as strong partnerships remain essential to sustaining events that reinforce Barbados’ reputation as a world-class host destination.