The Caribbean tourism sector has as soon as once more surpassed pre-pandemic benchmarks, with 2024 marking the second consecutive 12 months of record-breaking worldwide arrivals and a “sturdy restoration and growth,” in response to the most recent report by the Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO).
An estimated 34.2 million worldwide vacationers visited the Caribbean in 2024, a 6.1% improve over 2023 and 6.9% greater than pre-COVID 2019 ranges, the report reveals. Nonetheless, the tempo of development is anticipated to average in 2025 as a result of financial and geopolitical uncertainties affecting world journey traits.
The U.S. remained the highest supply market, accounting for roughly 16.8 million arrivals, a 3.5% improve from 2023 and practically 8% above 2019 figures. Canada additionally confirmed regular beneficial properties, with 3.3 million guests, up 4% year-on-year, though nonetheless trailing barely under pre-pandemic ranges.
European arrivals, nevertheless, grew at a slower tempo, growing simply 1.4% to five.3 million, which is about 89.4% of 2019 ranges. In distinction, South America led regional development, contributing 2 million arrivals—a 17.8% leap from 2023 and an almost 20% improve over 2019 numbers.
The Caribbean cruise sector additionally surged, with 33.7 million cruise visits in 2024, reflecting a ten.3% rise over 2023 and 10.9% above pre-pandemic volumes.
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On land, the resort sector remained sturdy, with occupancy charges averaging 66.6%—a slight uptick of 0.8% from 2023. The Common Every day Charge (ADR) for lodging elevated by 4.2% to $437.02, underscoring sustained demand and shopper confidence.
Regardless of the upward development, CTO analysis director Aliyyah Shakeer cautioned that development in 2025 might soften: “Tourism within the Caribbean is anticipated to proceed rising in 2025. Nonetheless, as a result of prevailing financial uncertainties and slowdowns in main supply markets in the course of the first quarter of the 12 months, the tempo of development is projected to be extra average than earlier forecasts instructed.”
The CTO now expects in a single day customer arrivals to develop by 2% to five%, probably reaching 35 million vacationers. The cruise sector can also be projected to develop by 5% to 7%, approaching 36 million cruise guests in 2025.
CTO secretary-general Dona Regis-Prosper credited the area’s continued success to collaboration and resilience: “The Caribbean’s continued development is a testomony to the power of our regional collaboration and the enduring enchantment of our locations.
Regardless of geopolitical uncertainty and world financial challenges, our sector has proven outstanding resilience.
To keep up this momentum, we should double down on strategic investments, progressive partnerships, and sustainable practices that shield our individuals, our tradition and our surroundings. The way forward for Caribbean tourism is just not solely brilliant – it’s ours to form.”
With a robust basis and cautious optimism for the 12 months forward, the Caribbean tourism business is positioning itself for sustainable, regular growth via 2025 and past.
