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How Curaçao, Belize, and Puerto Rico are Dominating in Caribbean Tourism Trends Outpacing Dominican Republic, Belize, St. Maarten, US Virgin Islands, What You Need to Know

Published on May 6, 2025

By: Tuhin Sarkar

How Curaçao, Belize, and Puerto Rico are dominating in Caribbean tourism trends is the story that’s turning industry heads in 2024 and shaping global travel for 2025. In fact, how Curaçao, Belize, and Puerto Rico are dominating in Caribbean tourism trends isn’t just about rising arrivals—it’s about rewriting the rulebook on what travelers want. With data showing rapid gains, the world now sees clearly how Curaçao, Belize, and Puerto Rico are dominating in Caribbean tourism trends, leaving even longtime leaders scrambling to catch up.

Meanwhile, many are stunned by how Curaçao, Belize, and Puerto Rico are dominating in Caribbean tourism trends, outpacing once-dominant destinations like the Dominican Republic. Yes, how Curaçao, Belize, and Puerto Rico are dominating in Caribbean tourism trends has become more than a headline—it’s a new reality. Moreover, how Curaçao, Belize, and Puerto Rico are dominating in Caribbean tourism trends shines a light on bold strategies and deep traveler shifts.

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But don’t ignore the rest—Belize, Curaçao, St. Maarten, and US Virgin Islands are also rising. Still, how Curaçao, Belize, and Puerto Rico are dominating in Caribbean tourism trends is sparking the biggest buzz. Even when stacked against Dominican Republic, the numbers prove how Curaçao, Belize, and Puerto Rico are dominating in Caribbean tourism trends.

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Want to know what you need to know? The data is in, the charts are up, and how Curaçao, Belize, and Puerto Rico are dominating in Caribbean tourism trends is the new benchmark. Watch closely—what you need to know is happening right now.

The Caribbean is on fire—not just with sunshine, but with record-breaking tourist growth in 2024 and massive interest for the 2025 travel season. From Google Flights to SkyScanner, Caribbean islands are lighting up traveler wish lists and booking engines.

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Puerto Rico, Belize, Curaçao, and others are redefining post-pandemic travel. They’re not just recovering—they’re dominating.

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Puerto Rico: America’s Island Gem Takes the Lead

Puerto Rico has taken the top spot in the Caribbean for 2024 with an 18% year-on-year increase in overseas arrivals during the first half of the year.

This surge is largely driven by strong U.S. outbound travel. With no passport required for U.S. citizens, and improved airlift from cities like New York, Atlanta, and Miami, Puerto Rico is thriving as a convenient yet exotic getaway.

Travel insiders cite the rise of eco-tourism, luxury beach resorts, and culinary experiences in San Juan as major drawcards.

Origin CountryCuraçaoJamaicaBahamasDominican RepublicAruba
United StatesAmerican Airlines (Miami, Charlotte), Delta (Atlanta), JetBlue (New York JFK), United (Newark), Surinam Airways (Miami), Azul (Fort Lauderdale)American Airlines (Miami, Dallas), Delta (Atlanta), JetBlue (New York JFK), Southwest (Baltimore, Orlando), United (Newark)American Airlines (Miami, Charlotte), Delta (Atlanta), JetBlue (New York JFK), Southwest (Fort Lauderdale, Orlando), United (Newark)American Airlines (Miami, Charlotte), Delta (Atlanta), JetBlue (New York JFK), United (Newark), Arajet (Newark, Miami)American Airlines (Miami, Charlotte), Delta (Atlanta), JetBlue (New York JFK), Southwest (Baltimore, Orlando), United (Newark)
CanadaAir Canada (Toronto, Montreal), WestJet (Toronto)Air Canada (Toronto, Montreal), WestJet (Toronto, Calgary)Air Canada (Toronto, Montreal), WestJet (Toronto, Calgary)Air Canada (Toronto, Montreal), WestJet (Toronto)Air Canada (Toronto), WestJet (Toronto)
MexicoNo direct flights; connections via U.S. or Central AmericaAeromexico (Mexico City), Interjet (Cancún)Aeromexico (Mexico City), Interjet (Cancún)Aeromexico (Mexico City), VivaAerobus (Monterrey)No direct flights; connections via U.S. or Central America
AustraliaNo direct flights; connections via U.S. or EuropeNo direct flights; connections via U.S. or EuropeNo direct flights; connections via U.S. or EuropeNo direct flights; connections via U.S. or EuropeNo direct flights; connections via U.S. or Europe
JapanNo direct flights; connections via U.S. or EuropeNo direct flights; connections via U.S. or EuropeNo direct flights; connections via U.S. or EuropeNo direct flights; connections via U.S. or EuropeNo direct flights; connections via U.S. or Europe
South KoreaNo direct flights; connections via U.S. or EuropeNo direct flights; connections via U.S. or EuropeNo direct flights; connections via U.S. or EuropeNo direct flights; connections via U.S. or EuropeNo direct flights; connections via U.S. or Europe

Belize: The Underdog Becomes the Breakout Star

Belize is making headlines with a stunning 30% growth in international arrivals during H1 2024.

That’s not all—compared to 2023, Belize posted 22.8% year-on-year growth, showing that the momentum is both sharp and sustained. The primary contributor? Once again, the U.S. market.

Travelers are flocking to Belize’s barrier reef diving, Mayan ruins, and jungle eco-lodges. Direct flights from major hubs like Houston, Dallas, and Miami have made this Central American-Caribbean hybrid a must-visit escape.

Curaçao: The Unstoppable Family Travel Giant

Curaçao is emerging as the top-performing Caribbean destination compared to pre-pandemic levels, with a massive 51.1% increase in arrivals.

That’s not all. In H1 2024, the island recorded a 38% jump in family travel. This boom is being driven by South American markets, especially Brazil and Colombia, and expanding European airlift from Amsterdam and Germany.

Even more impressively, Curaçao ranked as the most-searched international destination on Google Flights for summer 2025—a title that puts it ahead of even European heavyweights.

Expect demand for luxury villas, family-friendly resorts, and cultural tours to soar even further next year.

St. Maarten and U.S. Virgin Islands: Comeback Stories with Power

St. Maarten and the U.S. Virgin Islands have both experienced dramatic rebounds from the pandemic.

These numbers signal not just recovery—but reinvention. Investment in airport infrastructure, boutique hotel offerings, and yachting tourism are paying off.

Grand Turk: The SkyScanner Sensation

In what can only be described as a search shockwave, Grand Turk in Turks and Caicos recorded a staggering 528% increase in searches on SkyScanner for 2025.

That’s not a typo—528%.

Travel experts link this boom to the island’s rising cruise arrivals, expanded flight options, and its growing image as a luxury mini-break paradise. With high-end development projects underway, Grand Turk is no longer just a hidden gem—it’s a breakout superstar.

Hotel NameLocationHighlights
Baoase Luxury ResortWillemstadAwarded Best Luxury Resort – Curaçao 2024; private beachfront villas.
Zoëtry Curaçao Resort & SpaPiscadera BayAll-inclusive, wellness-focused resort with gourmet dining.
Curacao Marriott Beach ResortPiscadera BayModern beachfront property with upscale amenities.
Mangrove Beach CorendonWillemstadAll-inclusive resort with water park and multiple dining options.

Dominican Republic: The Workhorse of the Caribbean

The Dominican Republic continues to dominate in sheer volume.

In 2024, the country welcomed 8.5 million tourists, a 12% increase year-on-year. Its well-oiled tourism machine—anchored by Punta Cana, Santo Domingo, and La Romana—benefits from strong international connectivity and mega-resort infrastructure.

As a regional leader, the Dominican Republic is showing no signs of slowing down.

Hotel NameLocationHighlights
Cayo EspantoPrivate IslandExclusive private island resort with personalized service.
Alaia Belize, Autograph CollectionSan PedroLuxury resort featuring Belize’s first rooftop pool and bar.
Victoria House Resort & SpaAmbergris CayeBoutique resort with beachfront villas and a full-service spa.
Turtle InnPlacenciaSeaside resort owned by Francis Ford Coppola, offering rustic luxury.

Jamaica, Bahamas, and Aruba: Consistent Performers

Jamaica drew 2.9 million visitors in 2024, reaffirming its status as a cultural and beach tourism heavyweight.

Meanwhile, the Bahamas posted 6% growth in international arrivals for H1 2024, reaching 1.9 million total visitors by year-end. With new hotels opening in Nassau and Exuma, and cruise lines investing heavily, the island chain is well-positioned for future gains.

Aruba, too, impressed with 1.4 million arrivals in 2024, securing the 10th most-searched international destination spot on Google Flights for summer 2025.

Hotel NameLocationHighlights
Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton ReserveDoradoUltra-luxury resort with pristine beaches and top-tier amenities.
The St. Regis Bahia Beach ResortRío GrandeOceanfront resort with golf course and Iridium Spa.
Condado Vanderbilt HotelSan JuanHistoric hotel offering luxury accommodations and fine dining.
Hyatt Regency Grand ReserveRío GrandeBeachfront resort with lagoon-style pool and multiple restaurants.

What’s Fueling the Caribbean Boom?

Several factors are behind the Caribbean’s turbocharged rise:

Moreover, Google search behavior and SkyScanner trends are revealing early indicators of what’s hot—and the Caribbean is sizzling.

Hotel NameLocationHighlights
AmaneraPlaya GrandeLuxury resort overlooking Playa Grande beach with modern villas.
Eden Roc Cap CanaCap CanaBoutique resort with private beach and elegant accommodations.
Casa de Campo Resort & VillasLa RomanaRenowned resort with golf courses, marina, and upscale villas.
Sanctuary Cap CanaCap CanaAdults-only all-inclusive resort with castle-inspired architecture.

Strategic Outlook for 2025

For tourism boards, hoteliers, and travel operators, this data is a goldmine.

Destinations like Curaçao and Grand Turk need to scale infrastructure, promote offseason travel, and balance luxury with sustainability.

Meanwhile, consistent giants like Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic must diversify offerings beyond resort packages—offering culture, cuisine, and nature to deepen visitor engagement.

Tour companies are also urged to leverage search engine insights to build campaigns around Google and SkyScanner trends, especially leading into Q4 2024.

Hotel NameLocationHighlights
Belmond La SamannaBaie LongueElegant beachfront resort with luxury suites and fine dining.
Sonesta Ocean Point ResortMaho BeachAll-inclusive, adults-only resort with ocean views and modern design.
The Morgan Resort & SpaSimpson BayContemporary boutique hotel with infinity pool and spa services.
Green Cay VillasOrient BayPrivate villas offering panoramic views and personalized services.

The Caribbean Isn’t Just Back—It’s Leading the World

The numbers are clear. The Caribbean isn’t just surviving—it’s thriving. As traveler preferences shift toward experiences, wellness, and cultural immersion, the region is perfectly positioned to dominate 2025.

Hotel NameLocationHighlights
The Ritz-Carlton, St. ThomasSt. ThomasBeachfront resort with luxury accommodations and multiple dining options.
Lovango Resort & Beach ClubLovango CayEco-friendly resort offering unique accommodations and sustainability initiatives.
Buoy Haus Beach ResortSt. ThomasBoutique resort with modern amenities and beachfront access.
Oceans at Divi Carina BaySt. CroixAdults-only resort featuring upgraded rooms and exclusive amenities.

From Belize’s jungle sanctuaries to Curaçao’s family-friendly shores, the region is a sun-drenched success story—and the world is paying attention.

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