Working remotely? Why not spent a year in Barbados?

Move your home office to the beach

By: Kyle Frost + Save to a List

Tired of working from home? If you're already remote, why not work from somewhere with a bit more sun, sand, and an ocean breeze? That's the idea behind Barbados' latest tourism campaign, which seeks to attract remote workers to stay for up to a year at a time.

There are currently no active COVID cases in Barbados, and flights to the tropical island resumed on July 12. While there are still some restrictions in place (you'll have to obtain a COIVD test, and there is still social distancing and limits on large gatherings), businesses have re-opened and the island is trying to get back to "normal".

"You don't need to work in Europe, or the US or Latin America if you can come here and work for a couple months at a time; go back and come back," Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley said. "But in order for those things to truly resonate, what does it mean? It means that what we offer has to be world-class and what we continue to offer is world-class."

As more isolated tourism hotspots begin to recover from COVID shutdowns, it's likely that we'll see more similar campaigns seeking to attract long-term travelers as short-term travel seems unlikely to recover anytime soon. With remote work shifting from a movement to a default, it'll be fascinating to see the affect on tourism, small destinations, and more.

The Welcome Stamp program plans to begin August 1st, but don't get too excited, it isn't officially finalized yet. Based on the press and interest this announcement has created, I fully expect it to happen, but probably with a few caveats.

We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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