Caribbean: The Sector Looks to 2025 with Confidence
Caribbean tourism continues its momentum, recording results in 2024 that surpass pre-pandemic levels and confirming itself as one of the most dynamic sectors of the regional economy.
According to the new annual report from the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), the number of international arrivals reached 34.2 million, marking a 6.1% increase over 2023 and a 6.9% rise compared to 2019, the reference year before the global health crisis. This success underscores the sector’s ability to adapt, innovate, and relaunch, leveraging strong domestic demand, the strengthening of North American markets, and increased air connectivity. The “Caribbean Tourism Performance Review 2024” highlights the resilience of the Caribbean tourism industry and its enduring appeal in the eyes of international travelers.
Dominica Beach – credit discover dominica
travelbelize
The Dominican Republic once again ranks as the most visited destination in the region for 2024, with 8.5 million tourists, followed by Jamaica with 2.9 million and Cuba, which welcomed 2.2 million visitors. The Bahamas recorded 1.9 million arrivals, placing it among the top destinations alongside Aruba (1.4 million) and Puerto Rico (1 million). Altogether, these six destinations accounted for over half of all arrivals in the Caribbean.
Significant growth was seen in emerging destinations such as Montserrat (+29.4%), St. Vincent & the Grenadines (+27.2%), Belize (+22.8%), and Curaçao (+20.3%). Curaçao, in particular, showed the most significant improvement compared to the pre-pandemic period, with a 51.1% increase over 2019.
The United States remains the leading source market, with 16.8 million arrivals in 2024 (+3.5% over 2023 and +7.9% over 2019). Canada contributed 3.3 million tourists, a 4% increase, although still slightly below pre-COVID levels.
More modest growth was recorded from the European market, with 5.3 million visitors (+1.4%), still representing 89.4% of the total recorded in 2019. Intra-regional travel is also on the rise: Caribbean residents made 1.6 million trips within the region, an increase of 5.1%, though still below pre-pandemic figures.
Noteworthy is the performance of the South American market, which registered 2 million arrivals (+17.8% over 2023), with a 19.7% increase compared to 2019. The economic and political stability in key countries like Argentina, Brazil, and Colombia has certainly supported this trend.
The cruise sector experienced a true boom: in 2024, 33.7 million cruise visitors were recorded, an increase of 10.3% over 2023 and 10.9% compared to 2019. The hotel sector also showed clear signs of full recovery. The average occupancy rate reached 66.6% (+0.8%), while the average daily rate (ADR) rose by 4.2%, reaching USD 437.02.
Ocho Rios Bay with Cruise Ship at Pier – credi visitjamaica
Dona Regis-Prosper, Secretary-General & CEO, Caribbean Tourism Organization
According to CTO Director of Research Aliyyah Shakeer, forecasts for 2025 remain positive, although with more moderate growth rates due to global economic uncertainties. Overnight international arrivals are expected to increase between 2% and 5%, reaching 35 million, while the cruise sector could grow between 5% and 7%, hitting 36 million visitors.
Dona Regis-Prosper, Secretary General of the Caribbean Tourism Organization, emphasized that the continued growth of tourism in the Caribbean reflects the strength of regional cooperation and the Caribbean destinations’ inexhaustible appeal. She highlighted how the tourism sector has demonstrated remarkable resilience and adaptability despite challenges stemming from geopolitical uncertainties and global economic difficulties. According to Regis-Prosper, the current moment calls for strengthened strategic investments, the promotion of innovative collaborations, and the adoption of sustainable practices aimed at protecting the region’s human, cultural, and environmental heritage. She concluded by stating that the future of Caribbean tourism is promising and that it is everyone’s responsibility to help shape it.
Caribbean tourism is therefore positioned as a rapidly expanding sector with solid prospects for the future. The results achieved in 2024, which exceed pre-pandemic levels, confirm the regional tourism industry’s ability to face challenges and innovate, supported by a diversified market and an effective network of partnerships. Although 2025 is expected to bring more modest growth due to global economic uncertainties, optimism remains strong thanks to the demonstrated resilience and targeted investments in sustainability and innovation.
The collective commitment of governments, operators, and local communities will be essential to ensuring that the Caribbean continues to be a premier destination—one that offers authentic experiences while preserving its natural and cultural heritage for future generations.
Don’t miss news, updates, and reviews about the cruise world on Cruising Journal with photos, videos, and cruise deals.