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The island nation's capital - Bridgetown

On such a beautiful island featuring so many different things in so many different locations, transportation in Barbados tends to be a big issue. But not to worry, we've got you covered, or uncovered if you'd prefer. Barbados offers various public transport options as well as countless car hire, car rental companies and taxi stands for getting around in Barbados.

First off is the bus system the Barbados Transport Board. Our buses cannot be missed as they are brightly painted in the national colors of blue and yellow and offering one of the best methods of transportation in Barbados. Most buses have a sign of some sort on or above the front glass indicating the furthest point they travel to in the direction they are heading and the drivers will readily tell you whether your stop is along their route or not. Buses cost $1.50 Barbados one-way and are very reliable for a safe ride and a cultural experience.

Next up are what we call ZR's. These are small vans with the letters ZR on the license plate. They are also $1.50 Barbados, courtesy of the Barbados Transport Board. ZR's run more frequently than buses do and run until much later at night so it is never difficult to hop on one and head out when getting around in Barbados.

If you would prefer to be self-sufficient, there are numeraous car hire and car rental companies with plenty of different options of cars and packages. You can ride in an air-conditioned vehicle or a local "moke" which is an open-air, pretty distinguishable car that allows you to take in the sun simultaneously to the sights.

Just like anything else, when it comes to getting around in Barbados, whatever you want, we have!

For the fitness buff, or avid adventure seeker in the group, we also have bicycle rentals on the island. You can rent a bike for your entire stay and use it as your main means of transport, you can rent one for a day or two, or you can even rent one for a specific bicycle tour of the island. These bikes are insured just like rental cars would be, they are frequently checked and maintained in excellent working order. Looking for a challenge? Try riding up and down the hills along the east coast for spectacular views.

Of course we do have other options of rental cars from convertibles, to sedans, to mini vans and SUVs. There are a few rules, however, when renting a car in Barbados. Drivers must have a local driver’s license which can be obtained from most car rental offices, or from any local Police Station.

By awarding Barbados the rights to host the World Cup Final, the ICC has provided a very powerful endorsement to the growing belief that, even though this country may be a small island in the Caribbean, we can still offer world class standards, facilities and services.

Already a chosen destination for those that wish to invest in sectors such as real estate and tourism development, as well as enjoying a longstanding reputation as a secure and well-regulated jurisdiction for offshore companies, Barbados is now strengthening its attractions as it moves towards its declared goal of becoming the world's smallest developed nation.

Barbados' current position as a favoured investment location is not a matter of chance. The country's long history of social stability, economic dynamism and stable democracy - Barbados' parliament was established in 1639 and is the second-oldest in the Western Hemisphere - provide the bedrock on which Barbados' leaders and its people have built today's thriving nation.

The island's social stability stems from Barbadians' preference for discussion and mutually beneficial compromise. This preference for managed and orderly development has been given concrete form in the Social Partnership, a forum in which the country's private sector, governmental and trades union representatives come together to consult on important matters of national economic and social policy.

A balanced mixture of caution and entrepreneurship has helped to give the country a remarkably consistent record of economic growth of about 2.5% to 3% per year for many years.

A simple survey of what is going on in the island shows a booming construction sector, rising tourism numbers, rapidly falling telecommunications' costs due to liberalisation, a pro-active banking and financial services sector that is growing through cross-border mergers and acquisitions, an economy that is further developing its traditional sectors by means of innovation and modernisation, and an economy that is witnessing growing investment from far-off places as diverse as the USA, Europe and China.

Barbados has a reputation for security and low rates of crime that is the envy of many. Add to this scenario its highly developed physical, legislative and business infrastructure and it is easy to see why Barbados is proving so successful at attracting investment.

Tourism, the island's largest sector, continues to grow steadily. Given its size, Barbados has a remarkably broadly based tourism sector which does not depend on just sun, sea and sand.

Golf is a growing niche market with the advent of several new golf resorts, including the Green Monkey at Sandy Lane and the Apes Hill Club. Both the private sector and the government are seeking partners to exploit the potential of this sector to its fullest.

The list of projects underway is broad, with infrastructure improvements such as the recently complete redevelopment of the island's international airport and a planned expansion of the port.

Recent legislation, notably the Tourism Development Act 2002-2007 and the Special Development Areas Act, have added to the range of incentives available to investors in tourism-related projects. The legislation contains a range of attractive concessions and tax-breaks and the country's institutions and businesses are suitably geared to facilitate participation for overseas investors.

Property and real estate development is another growth area, both for private and corporate investors, not least because property values in Barbados have been rising steadily for many years. There are opportunities which encompass everything from luxury beachside villas to inland housing and tourism-attraction projects.

There is great potential in short-term villa rental and hotel development because of the country's healthy tourism sector. For the well-heeled private investor, luxury villas on an island that is known for the number of celebrities that visit regularly, offer a secure investment in a luxurious tropical setting.

The opportunities for investment in corporate and commercial properties are underpinned by Barbados status as a premier location for international and offshore businesses. Barbados status as a favoured location for those international businesses is also more than a matter of chance. Successive governments have worked with foresight to create the country's offshore sector - a low-tax jurisdiction built on a foundation of tax treaties, modern corporate and trust legislation, and a legal framework that ensures compliance with international standards of transparency and integrity.

Barbados already has tax treaties with the USA, the UK, Canada, China, Cuba, Finland, Malta, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, Venezuela and the Caribbean Community, and is currently in treaty negotiations with other countries.

Offshore entities take the form of international business companies, offshore banks, qualifying insurance and exempt insurance companies, societies with restricted liability and international trusts.

Concessions include reduced taxes of between one to 2.5%, exemption from withholding tax on dividends interest, royalties or other income paid to non-residents, and exemption from Barbados' exchange controls, which are now in the process of being liberalised. Foreign employees of qualifying international businesses can be paid free of local income tax and in any currency.

Not just a hub for the Caribbean, Barbados also has a comprehensive schedule of regular flights to and from North America and Europe.

Barbados is blessed with a wealth of professional service providers such as lawyers, accountants, banking and financial professionals, architects, designers, engineers and planners. These business facilitators have more often than not trained and/or worked overseas, bringing international experience, practices and working standards to the island's economy.

The process of establishing a business, whether finding and setting up accommodation, or sealing a deal for a commercial or private property transaction, are all made easier by the island's professional capabilities and legislative environment. Take your first step by consulting one of our professional services companies or by contacting one of the country's advisory agencies.