Bahamas Joins Mexico, Dominican Republic, Barbados, Curaçao, St. Vincent & the Grenadines in Caribbean Tourism Boom Breaking Visitor Records For Ten Months Straight

Published on December 7, 2025

By: Rana Pratap

The Caribbean is experiencing an unprecedented tourism boom in 2025, with the Bahamas welcoming 5.3 million visitors, a 10.4% increase from 2024, while the Mexico, Dominican Republic, Barbados, Curaçao, and St. Vincent & the Grenadines are also breaking visitor records for 10 straight months. These countries have broken visitor records for 10 straight months, driven by a combination of factors such as expanded cruise and air connectivity, high-value tourism offerings, targeted marketing strategies, and a growing interest in eco-tourism. The Bahamas continues to dominate with its thriving cruise industry, while the Dominican Republic maintains its position as the region’s volume leader, attracting millions of visitors. Barbados and Curaçao are capitalizing on their luxury and sustainable tourism options, and St. Vincent & the Grenadines has seen rapid growth in eco-tourism, particularly from the U.S. market. This robust performance highlights the Caribbean’s ability to adapt and thrive, positioning these nations as key players in the global tourism industry.

The Bahamas: Powering Growth with Cruises and Air Arrivals

The Bahamas has seen remarkable growth in 2025, driven by its strong cruise sector and a steady flow of air arrivals. Known for its pristine beaches and luxury resorts, the country has once again proven its dominance in Caribbean tourism.

In the first months of 2025, The Bahamas welcomed over 5.3 million visitors, marking a 10.4% increase over the same period in 2024. The cruise industry played a significant role in this surge, contributing to a 12.9% growth in sea arrivals. By September, the country had recorded 710,540 visitors for that month alone, setting a new record for September arrivals. Monthly data indicates that while gains in the stopover segment were tempered, partly due to capacity constraints and lowered demand from U.S. visitors, cruise tourism continued to thrive, with robust growth.

Recent data from the Nassau Airport Development Company Limited (NAD) revealed a slight 0.1% increase in total departures for October 2025, reaching 91,022—compared to the same period in 2024. Specifically, non-U.S. international departures rose by 2.8% to 16,159, while U.S. departures fell by 0.4% to 74,863. On a year-to-date basis, total outbound traffic declined by 2.4% to 1.3 million, with U.S. departures down by 3.5% to 1.2 million, but offset by a 4.4% rise in non-U.S. international departures to 0.2 million.

In the short-term vacation rental market, room nights sold increased by 4.6%, reaching 36,124 compared to the same period in 2024. This growth was reflected in the occupancy rates, which edged up slightly for both entire place listings and hotel comparable listings. The average daily room rates (ADR) showed a decrease, with entire place listings dropping by 10.6% to $284.87, and hotel comparable listings falling by 4.3% to $136.56.

Despite these fluctuations in room rates, the overall room nights sold for the year increased by 3.1%, and the ADR for entire place listings and hotel comparable listings rose by 20.9% and 3.0%, respectively, showing the continued appeal of the Bahamian vacation rental market.

This success can be attributed to several factors. The Bahamas remains a prime destination for cruise lines, helping keep visitor numbers high. While air arrivals from the U.S. have slightly decreased, the country’s proximity to North America and the growing appeal of its luxury resorts and eco-tourism offerings continue to draw tourists from other international markets.

Looking ahead, The Bahamas is expected to maintain its growth momentum throughout the rest of 2025, with further investments in tourism infrastructure and an expanding cruise industry ensuring the country remains a top destination in the Caribbean.

Mexico: Surging Strong with Record-Breaking International Arrivals

Mexico has emerged as a major player in 2025 global tourism, riding a powerful wave of international demand. From January to September, the country welcomed approximately 71 million visitors, reflecting a 13.9% increase compared to the same period in 2024.

This surge is driven by strong cross-border activity, including both stayover tourists and cruise visitors. Expanded air connectivity, improved infrastructure, and a diversified offering beyond the traditional beach resorts have been key drivers of this growth.

In June 2025 alone, Mexico recorded over 8 million international visitors, marking an 11.5% increase from June 2024. This consistent growth indicates that Mexico is not just recovering but expanding rapidly, with increasing tourist spending and a wider demographic reach. The country’s appeal spans coastal vacations, cultural tourism, and community-driven travel experiences, helping it tap into a broad spectrum of travelers.

In short, Mexico is experiencing a robust tourism boom, matching and even surpassing some Caribbean destinations in terms of scale and momentum, with expectations for continued growth through the remainder of the year.

Dominican Republic: The Region’s Volume Leader

As the Caribbean’s largest and most visited destination, the Dominican Republic continues to dominate the region’s tourism sector in 2025. With its diverse offerings and strategic location, the country has set new records for visitor arrivals, solidifying its place as a powerhouse in Caribbean tourism.

By the end of June 2025, the Dominican Republic had welcomed 5.46 million visitors, a 9% increase compared to the same period in 2024. The country’s cumulative visitor total by August reached 8 million, and by September, it had surpassed 8.59 million visitors. This growth reflects a 2.6% increase over the same period in 2024 and a remarkable 49% increase over 2019, showcasing the country’s resilience and growth post-pandemic.

The Dominican Republic’s continued success can be attributed to several factors. The expansion of air connectivity with North and South America has made it more accessible to international tourists. The country’s mix of all-inclusive resorts, historic attractions, and adventure tourism continues to draw visitors from around the world. Additionally, efforts to promote sustainable tourism have further enhanced its appeal, making it an attractive destination for eco-conscious travelers.

With a strong finish expected in the final quarter of 2025, the Dominican Republic is poised to maintain its position as the top tourism destination in the Caribbean for the foreseeable future.

Barbados: A Strong, Steady Rise

Barbados has experienced a steady and impressive rise in tourism throughout 2025. This island, known for its luxury resorts, pristine beaches, and rich cultural heritage, continues to attract visitors from across the globe, especially from the U.S., U.K., and Canada.

By the end of the first quarter, Barbados recorded a 5.5% increase in visitor numbers compared to 2024. In January and February 2025, the country welcomed 77,967 visitors in January and 78,054 visitors in February, setting the tone for the year. The growth can largely be attributed to the island’s luxurious offerings and its reputation as a prime destination for both relaxation and adventure.

In addition to the booming beach tourism, Barbados has also leveraged its rich cultural events and festivals, such as the iconic Crop Over Festival and Christmas celebrations, which have further enhanced its appeal. The island has also made significant strides in sustainable tourism, with increased investment in eco-friendly accommodations and activities that appeal to environmentally conscious travelers.

Barbados’ strong performance in 2025 shows that it is not just a seasonal destination but one that offers year-round appeal. The country’s tourism industry is well-poised for continued growth as it diversifies its offerings and attracts a wide range of international visitors.

Curaçao: High-Value Stayover Market Growth

Curaçao has emerged as one of the top performers in the Caribbean in 2025, largely due to its strong performance in the high-value stayover market. This island, known for its vibrant culture, pristine beaches, and excellent diving spots, has seen significant growth in both stayover arrivals and total visitors.

In January 2025, Curaçao recorded 73,289 stayover arrivals, marking a 20% increase compared to January 2024. By the end of October 2025, stayover arrivals reached 642,157, contributing to a 13% year-on-year growth. When including cruise arrivals, the total number of visitors for the year reached 1,324,557, up by 9% from the previous year.

Curaçao’s success in 2025 can be attributed to several factors. The island has been focusing on attracting high-end tourists, and this strategy has paid off, with a notable rise in visitors from North America. Additionally, the island’s appeal to both luxury travelers and eco-tourists continues to grow, with investment in eco-friendly accommodations and sustainable tourism initiatives gaining traction.

Looking forward, Curaçao is expected to continue its growth trajectory, with ongoing investments in tourism infrastructure and a growing reputation as a premium Caribbean destination.

St. Vincent & the Grenadines: Fast-Growing Eco-Tourism Hub

St. Vincent & the Grenadines has experienced one of the fastest growth rates in Caribbean tourism in 2025. Known for its volcanic landscapes, lush rainforests, and pristine beaches, the island nation has been capturing the attention of eco-tourists and adventure travelers alike.

From January to June 2025, St. Vincent & the Grenadines saw a remarkable 17.3% increase in total visitor arrivals, making it the second-fastest-growing destination in the region after the Dominican Republic. The country’s unique natural beauty and increasing focus on sustainable tourism have attracted a growing number of travelers, particularly from the United States, with arrivals from this market surging by 58.7%.

Adventure seekers are drawn to activities such as hiking the La Soufrière volcano and exploring the archipelago’s diverse islands by boat, while eco-conscious travelers appreciate the country’s commitment to preserving its natural environment. The rise in popularity of St. Vincent & the Grenadines is also supported by growing investments in eco-lodges and nature-based tourism experiences.

Looking ahead, St. Vincent & the Grenadines is expected to maintain its strong growth trajectory, particularly as eco-tourism and adventure travel continue to thrive in the Caribbean.

The Caribbean is seeing a tourism boom in 2025, with the Bahamas welcoming 5.3 million visitors, driven by strong cruise and air arrivals, while the Mexico, Dominican Republic, Barbados, Curaçao, and St. Vincent & the Grenadines also break visitor records due to expanded connectivity and rising demand.

The Caribbean’s tourism boom in 2025 highlights the region’s resilience and adaptability, with the Bahamas, Mexico, Dominican Republic, Barbados, Curaçao, and St. Vincent & the Grenadines leading the charge. These nations have successfully capitalized on expanded air and cruise connectivity, high-value tourism offerings, and the rising demand for sustainable and luxury travel. As visitor numbers continue to surge, the Caribbean is poised for sustained growth, with the trend expected to carry on through the year. The diverse appeal of these destinations, from pristine beaches and rich cultural heritage to eco-tourism and luxury resorts, ensures that the Caribbean remains a top global travel hotspot. With robust investments in tourism infrastructure and marketing, the region’s growth story is far from over, making 2025 a landmark year for Caribbean tourism.