CARIBBEAN — July 7, 2025 — The Caribbean is experiencing an unprecedented tourism surge in 2025, with millions of travelers from the United States, Canada, and Europe flocking to its sun-drenched shores. Sparked by expanded airlift, simplified entry procedures, and surging interest in island escapes, destinations across the region are reporting their highest-ever first-half visitor numbers. The Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Barbados, Curaçao, and Puerto Rico are leading the charge, while smaller islands like St Vincent and the Grenadines are witnessing surprising spikes in U.S. tourist arrivals.
According to regional data compiled from tourism boards and international travel platforms, the Caribbean remains the most searched and booked vacation cluster globally for the first half of 2025. Notably, flight searches to the Dominican Republic alone accounted for nearly one-third of all Caribbean-bound interest in Q2.
Dominican Republic Maintains Lead with Diverse Tourism Growth
The Dominican Republic continues to hold its title as the Caribbean’s tourism titan. It captured 31.9% of all flight searches for the region in Q2 2025, per data from the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO). While U.S. (1.12 million) and Canadian (593,000) arrivals slightly softened, the country recorded 434,000 visitors from South America in the first four months of the year. Argentina led the pack with over 163,000 tourists, followed by Colombia, Peru, and Ecuador.
Recent expansions by LATAM and Avianca Airlines, along with visa facilitation programs, have diversified the Dominican Republic’s inbound tourism beyond its traditional markets. The capital Santo Domingo and Punta Cana are welcoming more cultural tourists, not just resort-seekers.
Puerto Rico: U.S. Loyalty and Regional Expansion
As a U.S. territory with no passport requirements for American citizens, Puerto Rico remains a reliable favorite for domestic travelers. Over 93% of visitors are from the United States, and 2025 has brought a wave of new interest, driven by cultural events such as Bad Bunny’s long-term performance residency, increased domestic flights, and a refreshed branding campaign via Discover Puerto Rico.
What’s new, however, is rising visitor interest from Mexico, Colombia, and Canada, pushing Puerto Rico’s tourism into a more international space.
Smaller Islands, Bigger Impact: St Vincent and Curaçao Shine
The St Vincent and the Grenadines Tourism Authority reported a 74.8% increase in U.S. visitors in Q1 2025—the most dramatic rise of any Caribbean island. Long overlooked for larger neighbors, the island is now catching on among Americans seeking quieter, luxury-focused alternatives. The recent opening of boutique eco-resorts and expanded service by American Airlines have contributed to the upswing.
Curaçao, meanwhile, posted balanced growth across the Americas and Europe. U.S. arrivals rose up to 25% monthly, while Canadian tourists increased 15% thanks to WestJet and Air Canada routes. The Netherlands remains Curaçao’s largest market, sending over 19,000 visitors in May alone. Curaçao Tourism Board’s multilingual campaigns have been instrumental in positioning the island as both an adventure and cultural hub.
Barbados and Jamaica Extend Transatlantic Reach
Barbados welcomed a 22% year-over-year increase in U.S. visitors during the first half of 2025. More than 244,000 travelers from the United Kingdom and a growing number from Germany and France underscore Barbados’ strong foothold in the European market. The island’s January hotel occupancy rate exceeded 81%, reflecting a successful high-season rebound. Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. continues to highlight luxury, cricket culture, and historic charm.
In Jamaica, Q1 U.S. arrivals rose 28%, according to the Jamaica Tourist Board. The island has aggressively expanded its reach through new partnerships with Condor (Germany), Air Canada, and British Airways. Beyond Montego Bay and Negril, niche experiences like reggae festivals, culinary tours, and wellness retreats are boosting visitor spend and length of stay.
Cruise and Air Travel Lift Bahamas, USVI, Cayman
The Bahamas drew 3.3 million visitors in Q1 2025, up 9% year-over-year, with U.S. tourists accounting for as much as 85% of arrivals. But the surge is also supported by renewed airlift from London, Frankfurt, and Paris, as well as booming cruise passenger traffic.
The U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) surpassed 1 million visitors by April, a mix of 349,000 air arrivals and nearly 669,000 cruise passengers. A noticeable rise in European cruise travelers is benefiting St Thomas and St Croix, where eco-tourism and cultural tours are flourishing.
The Cayman Islands saw a 5.3% increase in stay-over visitors in Q1, fueled largely by the American market and a rising Canadian presence. Luxury condo developments, culinary festivals, and new airlift from Toronto and Montreal are helping reposition the islands for high-end travelers.
Antigua and Barbuda, A Post-COVID Recovery Star
Antigua and Barbuda exceeded pre-pandemic visitor figures in early 2025. Over 68,000 visitors arrived in the first two months, with the U.S., U.K., and Canada remaining the top three markets. The islands also returned to pre-COVID cruise volumes, bolstered by European travelers seeking premium, uncrowded destinations.
New hotel openings and consistent marketing under the “Your Space in the Sun” campaign have helped Antigua and Barbuda carve out a strong year-round presence in the luxury tourism market.
The Caribbean’s Global Renaissance
From Negril to Nassau, Curaçao to Castries, the Caribbean has become more than a seasonal getaway. It is now a year-round, global magnet drawing tourists from across the Americas and Europe. With airline connectivity at an all-time high, diversified tourism offerings, and renewed confidence in travel safety, 2025 marks a defining moment in the Caribbean’s evolution.
As the region continues to innovate in sustainability, infrastructure, and cultural tourism, one thing is clear: the Caribbean’s tourism surge isn’t a trend—it’s a transformation.
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