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.
Advertisement
Get all the latest US travel news in English today, as well as the latest travel and tourism industry news from the UK, Europe, Asia, America, Africa, Australia, New Zealand, India and the rest of the world. Subscribe our Travel newsletter in your inbox.
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.
Advertisement
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.
Advertisement
Puerto Rico, Belize, Curaçao, and others are redefining post-pandemic travel. They’re not just recovering—they’re dominating.
Click Now: Discover any news about travel, tourism, trade shows at the Travel And Tour World, including breaking travel news and weekly travel updates for travel trade, airlines, cruise, railways, technology, travel association, DMCs, and video interviews and promotional videos.

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 Country Curaçao Jamaica Bahamas Dominican Republic Aruba United States American 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) Canada Air 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) Mexico No direct flights; connections via U.S. or Central America Aeromexico (Mexico City), Interjet (Cancún) Aeromexico (Mexico City), Interjet (Cancún) Aeromexico (Mexico City), VivaAerobus (Monterrey) No direct flights; connections via U.S. or Central America Australia No direct flights; connections via U.S. or Europe No direct flights; connections via U.S. or Europe No direct flights; connections via U.S. or Europe No direct flights; connections via U.S. or Europe No direct flights; connections via U.S. or Europe Japan No direct flights; connections via U.S. or Europe No direct flights; connections via U.S. or Europe No direct flights; connections via U.S. or Europe No direct flights; connections via U.S. or Europe No direct flights; connections via U.S. or Europe South Korea No direct flights; connections via U.S. or Europe No direct flights; connections via U.S. or Europe No direct flights; connections via U.S. or Europe No direct flights; connections via U.S. or Europe No direct flights; connections via U.S. or Europe
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 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 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.
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 Name Location Highlights Baoase Luxury Resort Willemstad Awarded Best Luxury Resort – Curaçao 2024; private beachfront villas. Zoëtry Curaçao Resort & Spa Piscadera Bay All-inclusive, wellness-focused resort with gourmet dining. Curacao Marriott Beach Resort Piscadera Bay Modern beachfront property with upscale amenities. Mangrove Beach Corendon Willemstad All-inclusive resort with water park and multiple dining options.
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 Name Location Highlights Cayo Espanto Private Island Exclusive private island resort with personalized service. Alaia Belize, Autograph Collection San Pedro Luxury resort featuring Belize’s first rooftop pool and bar. Victoria House Resort & Spa Ambergris Caye Boutique resort with beachfront villas and a full-service spa. Turtle Inn Placencia Seaside resort owned by Francis Ford Coppola, offering rustic luxury.
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 Name Location Highlights Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve Dorado Ultra-luxury resort with pristine beaches and top-tier amenities. The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort Río Grande Oceanfront resort with golf course and Iridium Spa. Condado Vanderbilt Hotel San Juan Historic hotel offering luxury accommodations and fine dining. Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Río Grande Beachfront resort with lagoon-style pool and multiple restaurants.
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 Name Location Highlights Amanera Playa Grande Luxury resort overlooking Playa Grande beach with modern villas. Eden Roc Cap Cana Cap Cana Boutique resort with private beach and elegant accommodations. Casa de Campo Resort & Villas La Romana Renowned resort with golf courses, marina, and upscale villas. Sanctuary Cap Cana Cap Cana Adults-only all-inclusive resort with castle-inspired architecture.

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 Name Location Highlights Belmond La Samanna Baie Longue Elegant beachfront resort with luxury suites and fine dining. Sonesta Ocean Point Resort Maho Beach All-inclusive, adults-only resort with ocean views and modern design. The Morgan Resort & Spa Simpson Bay Contemporary boutique hotel with infinity pool and spa services. Green Cay Villas Orient Bay Private villas offering panoramic views and personalized services.
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 Name Location Highlights The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas St. Thomas Beachfront resort with luxury accommodations and multiple dining options. Lovango Resort & Beach Club Lovango Cay Eco-friendly resort offering unique accommodations and sustainability initiatives. Buoy Haus Beach Resort St. Thomas Boutique resort with modern amenities and beachfront access. Oceans at Divi Carina Bay St. Croix Adults-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.
Click Now: Discover any viral and trending news about travel, tourism, trade shows at the Travel And Tour World, including breaking travel news and weekly travel updates for travel trade, airlines, cruise, railways, technology, travel association, DMCs, and video interviews and promotional videos.
For Latest Travel News: Find latest tourism industry news from every corner of the globe at Travel And Tour World, your only online source for breaking international travel news coverage.
Get the latest news and real-time travel industry updates in 104 regional languages, with breaking travel news and live coverage across multilingual platforms.
Get daily dose of news from Travel Industry, by subscribing to Travel And Tour World newsletters. Subscribe here.
Watch Travel And Tour World Interviews here.
Read more Travel News, Daily Travel Alert, and Travel Industry News on Travel And Tour World only.
Do you have a story tip related to the travel industry? Email us: [email protected]
Advertisement
Tags: Aruba, bahamas, Belize, Belize City, caribbean, Caribbean tourism trends, charlotte amalie, Curaçao, Dominican Republic, Europe, Grand Turk, jamaica, montego bay, nassau, Oranjestad, puerto rico, Punta Cana, san juan, Santo Domingo, south america, St. Maarten, Turks And Caicos, U.S. Virgin Islands, United States, Willemstad
Wednesday, December 3, 2025
Wednesday, December 3, 2025
Wednesday, December 3, 2025
Wednesday, December 3, 2025
Tuesday, December 2, 2025
Wednesday, December 3, 2025
Wednesday, December 3, 2025