What is Driving Travel Surge to the Caribbean This Winter?
The Caribbean, an archipelago of over 700 mesmerizing islands, has long been a haven for sun-seekers and adventure enthusiasts alike. With its turquoise waters, pristine beaches, and vibrant cultures, the region has consistently attracted travelers from across the globe. However, this year, a noticeable surge in leisure travel from the United States to the Caribbean has emerged.
This trend, can be attributed to a confluence of factors, ranging from increased flight connectivity to shifting travel preferences. RateGain’s World on Holiday travel insights center throws light on the travel boom in the Caribbean with the help of insights based on comprehensive travel data.
Fall in Bookings to Hawaii
Hawaii stands out as one of the most sought-after beach destinations for leisure travelers from North America. Unfortunately, recent unfortunate events in Hawaii have led to a significant decline in travel demand to the region. Safety concerns have prompted travelers to reconsider their plans, resulting in a noteworthy 59% year-on-year drop in hotel bookings in Hawaii. Intriguingly, this decline has inadvertently fueled a surge in travel to the Caribbean, emerging as the next best alternative with comparable activities and experiences to those offered in Hawaii.
The Shift Away from the Middle East
Travelers in the U.S. are increasingly prioritizing safety when choosing their travel destinations. The U.S. government’s travel advisories largely influence these heightened concerns, especially in regions with political turmoil and conflict. As a result, the Middle East region has seen a decline in U.S. tourist arrivals, as travelers heed caution.
The beginning of 2023 saw a rise in travel demand to the Middle East from the U.S. and Europe. However, situations and global crises have made Western travelers wary of tourism in the region. Many countries in the Middle East are experiencing a slump in travel bookings by 20% to 60%.
| Country | Y-O-Y Change compared to 2022 |
| Bahrain | -56% |
| Jordan | -46% |
| Israel | -39% |
| Kuwait | -36% |
| Lebanon | -25% |
| UAE | -21% |
| Saudi Arabia | -19% |
| Turkey | -15% |
Source: Adara, a RateGain Company
Prioritizing Safety When Traveling
In response to these advisories, many are opting for safer alternatives, with domestic and nearby international destinations gaining popularity. The Caribbean and Mexico have proven top choices, offering inviting climates and predictability during winter. A majority of the demand for hotel bookings in the Caribbean is coming from couples and families.
Increasing Connectivity
One of the primary catalysts for the surge in US-Caribbean travel is the introduction of new direct flights between major US cities and Caribbean destinations. Airlines have recognized the growing demand for Caribbean getaways and have responded by expanding their routes and frequencies. This newfound connectivity has significantly reduced travel time and hassle, making Caribbean vacations more accessible and appealing to US travelers.
Family travel from the U.S. to the Caribbean is up 123% year-over-year (Y-o-Y) from 2022. Here’s a look at how flight bookings from the U.S. to destinations in the Caribbean have changed over the last year:
Leisure Family Travel from the U.S. to the Caribbean: 123% Increase Y-O-Y
| Destination | Y-o-Y Growth in Flight Bookings Compared to 2022 |
| Barbados | 32% |
| Grenada | 33% |
| Honduras | 40% |
| Sint Maarten | 44% |
| Trinidad and Tobago | 63% |
| Curacao | 78% |
| Antigua and Barbuda | 87% |
| Virgin Islands | 89% |
| Dominica | 112% |
| Anguilla | 128% |
| Dominican Republic | 217% |
Source: Adara, a RateGain Company
About World on Holiday
World on Holiday is an attempt to create a real-time travel-insights center to tell you simply one thing – what travelers are interested in. The insights sourced from hundreds of first-party data sources are based on actual consumer activity and are relevant for anyone who needs a quick way to understand the key macro-trends in any region.
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About RateGain
RateGain is a global provider of SaaS solutions for travel and hospitality that works with 2800+ customers—including the Top 23 of 30 Hotel Chains, the Top 25 of 30 Online Travel Agents, and all the top car rentals including 8 Global Fortune500 companies—and 700+ partners in 100+ countries helping them accelerate revenue generation through acquisition, retention, and wallet share expansion.