The latest data by ForwardKeys reveals that the Caribbean destinations are the first choice for many travellers over the popular Christmas season this year. Worldwide arrivals between 16 and 24 December 2022 versus the same period in 2019 show a growth of +3% for the Caribbean with only LATAM boding well at -8% in the 2nd position.
North American travellers are travelling the most to the Caribbean over Christmas, with double-digit growth in these five island nations: Turks & Caicos (+43%), Bahamas (+35%), Aruba (+33%), Dominican Republic (+32%) and Jamaica (+27%). The total arrivals from the US have grown by 13% versus the same period in pre-pandemic 2019.
“This bodes well for overall business for the travel sector and brings much-needed relief to many,” says Olivier Ponti, VP of Insights at ForwardKeys, a leading analytics firm based in Spain.
“And there is more to look forward to as our air ticketing data also shows a strong uplift in premium cabin travel. Luxury travel is back with a vengeance, and affluent arrivals are up across the board in the region. The Turks & Caicos and the Bahamas are to benefit the most, up by 108% and 101%,” adds Ponti.
“We are deeply gratified by the data, which reaffirm our position that the Caribbean is the most authentic and rewarding warm-weather destination on the planet and are a testament to the effective marketing strategies of our tourism stakeholders. We now look forward to building on that foundation to realize continued positive results in 2023 as we welcome many more travellers to experience our unique Caribbean beauty, warmth, and spirit,” said Nicola Madden-Greig, President of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association.
