For small hotels, bars, and restaurants across the Caribbean, the peak tourism season is golden, but what about the rest of the year? When the crowds thin, hurricanes loom, and local spending dips, many venues struggle to stay afloat. But with travel trends shifting and local economies evolving, forward-thinking hospitality operators are unlocking new ways to generate income all year long.
In today’s market, hospitality isn’t just about heads in beds or drinks at sunset, it’s about creating multifunctional, experience-rich spaces that serve locals and travelers alike.
Here are six scalable revenue ideas that can help small hospitality businesses in the Caribbean thrive in every season.
1. Co-Working & Digital Nomad Packages
With remote work here to stay, many digital nomads are trading grey cities for island life. Transform underused areas into casual co-working spaces, think strong Wi-Fi, good coffee, and comfy seating.
Revenue Idea: Offer weekly/monthly passes, discounted coffee refills, or co-working + accommodation bundles.
Pro Tip: List your co-working space on platforms and promote through digital nomad hubs like Nomads, Remote OK, or regional Facebook groups like Digital Nomads Caribbean.
Some Caribbean nations now offer digital nomad visas — use this to position your space as a “home base” for remote workers looking to stay longer.
2. Host Intimate Events & Pop-Ups
From rum tastings and local art shows to rooftop yoga and open mic nights, your space can serve as a community event venue. This not only brings in direct revenue but also boosts food and drink sales.
Revenue Idea: Charge small venue hire fees, collaborate with local vendors for pop-ups, or ticket the experience.
Pro Tip: Embrace themes tied to Caribbean heritage like steel pan nights, storytelling circles, or bush tea tastings and work with artisans and musicians to co-create immersive events.
3. Wellness Experiences & Day Passes
Even if you don’t have a full spa, you can offer wellness experiences: sunrise yoga on the beach, sound baths in your garden, or guided nature walks. For hotels with pools or saunas, offer local day passes during off-peak times.
Revenue Idea: Bundle wellness activities with brunch, happy hour, or spa treatments.
Pro Tip: Market to cruise ship passengers looking for land-based experiences, or work with Airbnb hosts to refer their guests to your offerings. Tap into the wellness travel trend by bundling activities with Caribbean superfoods (like soursop smoothies or moringa teas) or local spa rituals using bush medicine.
4. Private Rentals for Content Creators
The Caribbean is Instagram gold. Photographers, influencers, and even local brands are constantly looking for beautiful locations to shoot content.
Revenue Idea: Rent out areas of your hotel or bar for photo/video shoots during low hours or off-days.
Pro Tip: Create a “shoot package” with props, lighting, drinks, and hours included. Connect with your national tourism board or local film commission as they often need venues for photo ops and press trips. Work with local influencers on content-for-stay partnerships to grow visibility.
5. Offer Classes or Experiences on Airbnb or Viator
Thanks to Airbnb’s recent expansion into services (read more here), you can now list local experiences on the same platform people use to book their stay.
Revenue Idea: Turn your bartender into a mixology guide or your chef into a culinary storyteller. Host classes on making pepper sauce, goat water, or cassava bread or give guests a hands-on look at Caribbean fishing or farming traditions.
Pro Tip: Keep it short (1.5 – 2 hours), add storytelling and hands-on elements, and ensure it’s photogenic and review-worthy.
6. Sell Locally Made Products
Tap into the growing demand for sustainable and local souvenirs. From sauces and spices to jewellery and eco skincare, dedicate a small shop corner to curated Caribbean-made products.
Revenue Idea: Sell at checkout, include in minibar upsells, or create a small e-commerce site for post-visit purchases.
Pro Tip: Offer profit-sharing consignment deals with local makers to reduce upfront costs. You can also explore selling in airport shops, cruise terminals, or on regional online marketplaces like Carib Shopper or WiPay’s vendor network.
Conclusion
The Caribbean hospitality scene has always been rich in culture, soul, and resilience. By layering in versatile, year-round income streams, small venues can not only weather the slow seasons but also redefine what it means to be a hub for both locals and visitors.
Whether you’re a beach bar, boutique hotel, or family-run inn, your space can become more than just a place to stay or sip, it can be a space where community thrives, creativity is celebrated, and commerce is constant.
