Which Caribbean Destinations Are Experiencing the Greatest Tourism Growth?

by Patrick Clarke
Last updated: 2:45 PM ET, Wed March 29, 2023

The Caribbean Destinations Drawing the Most Interest

1/11 New data reveals the island destinations welcoming the most international arrivals in the first half of 2023 compared to 2019.

Aruba - 10 Percent

2/11 Rounding out the top 10, Aruba is tied for eighth, with international arrivals jumping 10 percent over the first half of this year compared to 2019. The island has even responded to the growth by launching its own travel planning and itinerary app in myAruba.

Puerto Rico - 10 Percent

3/11 One of two U.S. territories to feature in the top 10, Puerto Rico is another island reporting an encouraging 10 percent rise in international visitor arrivals this spring. Puerto Rico was one of six Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) nations to surpass its pre-pandemic visitor arrivals numbers in 2022.

Martinique - 10 Percent

4/11 Martinique, which is situated between Dominica and Saint Lucia in the Lesser Antilles is also tied for eighth in terms of growth this year, matching Puerto Rico and Aruba with a 10 percent increase in international arrivals. For those unfamiliar, Martinique is a nature lover's paradise boasting amazing landscapes and incredible biodiversity, among other exceptional traits.

Curacao - 11 Percent

5/11 Like Aruba, Curacao is a part of the ABC Islands and a year-round draw for travelers as it sits just north of the South American coast and is therefore far less likely to be impacted by the Atlantic hurricane season.

Dominican Republic - 12 Percent

6/11 The Caribbean's most-visited country has experienced an impressive 12 percent increase in international arrivals during the first half of 2023 compared to 2019. It turns out that the destination's award-winning all-inclusive resorts, world-class beaches and golf courses continue to be a major draw.

Jamaica - 13 Percent

7/11 Jamaica is tied for fourth, experiencing visitor growth of 13 percent. This island's surge in visitors has been aided by the work of travel advisors, with Jamaica's tourism minister Edmund Bartlett predicting the country would host 950,000 land-based, overnight visitors and 524,000 cruise passengers in the first quarter of 2023.

Guadeloupe - 13 Percent

8/11 Guadeloupe is tied with Jamaica as the fourth-greatest growing Caribbean destination this year. The French archipelago comprising more than a dozen islands has also seen a 13 percent increase in international arrivals as travelers flock to explore its nature, history, culture and mouthwatering cuisine.

Sint Maarten - 14 Percent

9/11 The Dutch Caribbean destination of Saint Maarten is enjoying more growth than most, reporting a 14 percent increase in international arrivals in 2023 compared to 2019. From the colorful and bustling capital of Philipsburg to its magnificent beaches, visitors have access to no shortage of fun in the sun.

Turks and Caicos - 19 Percent

10/11 The islands of Turks and Caicos is another ideal Caribbean destination boasting spectacular beaches, endless activities and fascinating culture that continue to be a hit with travelers. After all, the British overseas territory has seen a 19 percent jump in international arrivals this year.

US Virgin Islands - 23 Percent

11/11 The US Virgin Islands is once more the top-performing destination welcoming 23 percent more international arrivals than in the same period in 2019. Americans will be pleased to know they can visit this booming locale without requiring a passport.

It's no secret that the Caribbean is one of the world's most coveted regions among travelers and while COVID-19 pandemic-era restrictions put a squeeze on visitation from foreign tourists recovery is in sight, with international arrivals to the region rising by 1 percent from four years ago.That's according to ForwardKeys, which analyzed the top Caribbean destinations, looking at international visitor arrivals during the first half of 2023 compared to 2019 just prior to the onset of the pandemic. The data reveals promising growth across the region, with some countries and territories bouncing back in a big way. Nonetheless, the islands stand to further benefit from improved connectivity. "Limited air capacity, however, remains one of the main impending aspects of growth in some emerging markets for the Caribbean," Olivier Ponti, VP of Insights at ForwardKeys, said in a statement. "Whilst avid U.S. travelers keen to enjoy the wonders of the Caribbean have a vast choice of flights from the mainland U.S. to most Caribbean tourism hotspots, travelers from South America usually have to connect in regional hubs to get to their destination of choice. In this context, ForwardKeys has uncovered the growth of Panama City as a gateway to the Caribbean for trips from South America. Miami is, on the contrary, losing its market share." Here's a look at the 10 Caribbean destinations currently experiencing the most growth in 2023.

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