Monday, January 20, 2025 The Caribbean’s tourism sector has made a remarkable recovery, emerging stronger and more competitive in 2024. Key destinations like Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Bahamas, Belize, Jamaica, Aruba, Barbados, and the Cayman Islands have all played pivotal roles in driving this growth, each showcasing unique strengths that attract millions of international visitors. Their ability to innovate, adapt, and appeal to a diverse range of travelers has solidified their position as leaders in the region’s booming tourism market.
In the first half of 2024, the Caribbean saw international arrivals grow by 10% year-on-year , a significant achievement considering global tourism arrivals remain 16% below pre-pandemic levels . Even more impressive is the 13% growth compared to 2019 , indicating the region’s recovery has not only matched but surpassed pre-pandemic numbers. While the rest of the Americas exhibited a 15% growth , the Caribbean’s consistent upward trajectory reflects its resilience and adaptability.
Each destination has contributed uniquely to this success. Puerto Rico leads with an 18% year-on-year increase , driven by improved air connectivity and robust demand from U.S.
cities. The Dominican Republic , another powerhouse, boasts a 12% rise , thanks to enhanced access from cities like Orlando. Smaller destinations like Belize have shown extraordinary growth, with international arrivals up by 30% , highlighting the effectiveness of direct f.
