As the Caribbean Marketplace takes place in Barbados, the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association (CHTA) and lead travel analysts, Forward Keys, have partnered to release a comprehensive report on the current state of Caribbean tourism. The report, titled Caribbean Travel Trends 2024, gives some insight into the performance of destinations throughout the region and even includes a list of the fastest-growing countries. The region has shown tremendous growth throughout the year so far with destinations like Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, and Belize seeing impressive overseas tourist arrivals. Here’s what else the Forward Keys report revealed.
Belize: One of the Fastest Growing Caribbean Destinations in 2024
Image via Meritt Thomas on Unsplash
Though it is also a Central American nation, Belize’s Caribbean heritage and roots are as strong as the small country’s dedication to conservation. And, just like its regional counterparts, the country is a choice destination for travelers, especially in the early months of the year. In early 2024, Belize saw record-breaking tourism arrival numbers—a feat that has earned it a position as one of the fastest-growing destinations in the region.
According to the Forward Keys report, Belize has so far seen a 30% increase in tourism arrivals for the first half of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. In fact, the country was listed as the fastest growing Mid-Tier destination.*
*meaning those destinations that represent a market share between 0.5% and 5%
Contributing to Belize’s growth, says the report, are tourist arrivals from the U.S., specifically New York. In December 2023, New York-based carrier JetBlue introduced new non-stop service to the country, opening the country up to a new market of travelers. (According to ForwardKeys, bookings from New York are +91% higher than 2023)
Caribbean Travel Trends
The Caribbean Travel Trends report by Forward Keys also included some informative stats on the primary markets that are driving growth in the region.
Family Travel on the Rise
When it comes to family and group travel, Curacao, Aruba, and Belize are the top choices says Forward Keys. According to the report, arrivals of family-sized groups (3-5 persons) to the Caribbean increased by 13% in the first half of the year.
Latin Americans Are Visiting the Caribbean More
Copa Airlines offers direct flights from Panama to Belize
At the Belize Tourism Board’s annual B.O.O.M forum, held earlier this year, the BTB revealed strategies being implemented to introduce Belize to Latin American travelers—a strategic move, considering that Latin American travel within the region continues to grow. According to Forward Keys, Colombia and Brazil are the top-performing Latin American markets when it comes to Caribbean travel.
How Carnivals and Festivals Influence Travel
Placencia Carnival. Photo by @belizemytravels on IG
“Festivals and events are increasingly important for Caribbean destinations,” says Forward Keys. They help to “boost demand, diversify visitor base, and build global brand awareness.” Perhaps the best example of this is Trinidad Carnival, which took place in February. The 2024 Caribbean Travel Trends report reveals that during Trinidad and Tobago’s carnival season group travel “surged”, increasing by 52%.
The Caribbean Is Performing Well, But Competition Is Set to Increase
Bamboo Rafting down Jamaica’s Martha Brae River. Photo via Lovicarious
The Caribbean has been doing an outstanding job when it comes to travel. The analysts over at Forward Keys belive, however, that more can be done to maintain a position as a top travel destination. The report notes that it is “crucial” for Caribbean destinations to “develop strategies to remain relevant in an increasingly competitive travel environment.”
This is especially true as regions like Asia begin to fully rebound following the pandemic.
Featured Photo by Aristedes Carrera on Unsplash
