Published on December 26, 2025
By: Rana Pratap
Jamaica, along with the Bahamas, Turks and Caicos, Anguilla, Grenada, and Barbados, is facing a decline in US and Canadian visitors, with Jamaica seeing a 20.4% drop in US arrivals and 1.7% in Canadian visitors due to high travel costs and limited connectivity. The downturn in visitor numbers is part of a larger trend affecting the Caribbean tourism industry, where rising expenses, limited flight options, and increased competition from other destinations are making it harder for popular spots like Jamaica to maintain their appeal. As travelers seek more affordable and accessible options, the region’s reliance on North American markets is being tested, signaling the need for the Caribbean to adapt and diversify its offerings to stay competitive.
Jamaica, once the crown jewel of Caribbean tourism, has faced a significant downturn in visitor arrivals, particularly from the United States and Canada. November 2025 saw a sharp decline in tourism, driven by Hurricane Melissa’s devastating impact and the island’s broader economic challenges.
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Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm that hit Jamaica in late October 2025, led to a catastrophic disruption in the country’s tourism industry. In November, Jamaica saw a 20.4% drop in US visitor arrivals compared to the same period in 2024. At Sangster International Airport, the main gateway for international tourists, air traffic dropped by 73.4% in November 2025.
This sharp decline was largely due to widespread infrastructure damage, particularly in Negril and the South Coast, two of the island’s most popular tourist areas. Despite efforts to restore services, the storm’s aftermath led to a wave of cancellations, as travelers from the US and Canada opted for alternative destinations perceived as less affected.
The Canadian market, which is a vital source of winter tourism for Jamaica, also suffered in November 2025. Canadian arrivals dropped by 1.7% year-on-year, despite Jamaica’s typical appeal during the colder months. Although this decline is smaller compared to the US, it signals the growing price sensitivity of Canadian travelers, who are increasingly seeking value-for-money alternatives in the wake of rising domestic inflation and a weakened Canadian dollar.
While Jamaica is working on its recovery, the island’s economy has been heavily impacted. The total revenue loss from the decline in US and Canadian visitors during the month of November 2025 is estimated to be in the millions of dollars, as flights and bookings were cancelled, and tourism-related businesses suffered. As the island gradually recovers, over 300,000 visitors returned by mid-December, signaling the resilience of the tourism sector.
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However, the perception of Jamaica as a disaster-stricken destination may linger, and the island will need significant marketing campaigns to rebuild trust and encourage visitors back in early 2026. Aggressive price cuts will likely be necessary to regain competitive footing, especially with the increased number of travelers choosing other destinations in the region like the Dominican Republic.
Jamaica remains one of the Caribbean’s most iconic tourist destinations, offering vibrant culture, beautiful beaches, and a rich history. Here’s a quick guide to some of the key cities and attractions in Jamaica:
While Jamaica has faced significant challenges in 2025 due to the combination of Hurricane Melissa and softer North American demand, the island’s tourism industry is showing resilience. The sharp declines in visitor arrivals, especially from the US and Canada, underscore the need for Jamaica to focus on rebuilding its infrastructure and image. By targeting new markets and offering competitive pricing, Jamaica can recover from this setback and continue to thrive as one of the Caribbean’s most beloved destinations.
Cuba, long a favorite among North American travelers, saw a significant contraction in its tourism numbers in November 2025. The combination of Hurricane Melissa, ongoing energy crises, and political instability contributed to a double-digit drop in both US and Canadian arrivals. This article explores the factors behind Cuba’s struggles, including the effects of the storm, declining infrastructure, and growing competition from other Caribbean destinations.
Hurricane Melissa hit Cuba on October 29, 2025, causing extensive damage to infrastructure, including over 60,000 homes. The storm directly impacted the tourism sector, especially in popular areas like Havana, Varadero, and Cienfuegos, all of which rely heavily on international visitors. In the immediate aftermath of the hurricane, Cuba experienced a 19.6% drop in US arrivals, and the Canadian market suffered an even steeper decline of 21.0% to 26.0% in the same period.
The impact of Hurricane Melissa compounded existing economic difficulties, particularly Cuba’s energy crisis, which led to island-wide blackouts. This situation made the destination less attractive to mass-market tourists, especially those from the US and Canada, who expect reliable services such as air conditioning and uninterrupted electricity.
In addition to the physical destruction caused by the hurricane, Cuba has been facing long-standing geopolitical issues and economic instability. Visitor numbers from the US dropped by 19.6%, with 88,849 US visitors recorded in 2025 compared to 110,538 in 2024. While the US remains a major source market, the ongoing restrictions on travel, coupled with economic uncertainty in Cuba, have discouraged many travelers.
Similarly, Canada, historically Cuba’s largest market, saw a significant decline of between 19.5% and 26%. The Canadian market has traditionally been driven by Cuba’s affordability, but rising costs and a lack of stability have pushed many Canadian tourists toward more reliable alternatives like the Dominican Republic and Mexico, which offer comparable value at better reliability.
Cuba’s energy crisis has deepened its tourism woes. With fuel shortages and widespread blackouts, the country’s ability to support the large influx of international visitors has been strained. The lack of consistent energy supply has made it difficult for many tourism-focused businesses, such as hotels, restaurants, and transportation providers, to offer the high standards expected by international tourists.
While Cuba remains a low-cost destination, these ongoing crises have eroded its value proposition. Canadian and US visitors, especially those traveling during peak seasons, are less likely to opt for Cuba when faced with the risk of power outages, unreliable services, and the general sense of instability.
Cuba’s long-standing geopolitical isolation has also contributed to its tourism decline. The ongoing embargo and strained relations with the US have led to limited airlift options, making it more difficult for US tourists to access the island. Even though Cuba has made efforts to attract visitors from Europe, the US and Canada remain its most important markets, and without significant improvements in political relations, tourism from these countries will likely remain under pressure.
In addition, the US government’s travel restrictions, even as they have been loosened in recent years, still create significant barriers for American travelers, particularly in terms of authorized travel categories.
Despite its struggles, Cuba remains a fascinating destination, rich in history, culture, and vibrant local experiences. Here’s a quick city guide to help tourists navigate Cuba’s iconic destinations:
Despite facing a difficult year in 2025, Cuba’s tourism industry is resilient, with the government making efforts to rebuild infrastructure and restore services to attract international tourists back. While the US and Canadian markets remain the most important, Cuba will likely need to diversify its visitor base, targeting regions like Europe and Latin America to reduce its reliance on the volatile North American market.
The Bahamas, known for its pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters, is experiencing a noticeable dip in tourism, primarily driven by a reduction in high-value air traffic from the United States. While the overall number of visitors to the Bahamas remains steady, the US market—a critical source of tourists—has shown signs of stagnation, particularly in the air travel sector. This article delves into the factors influencing the decline, including the lingering effects of Hurricane Melissa, capacity constraints, and rising travel costs.
While the Bahamas was not directly hit by Hurricane Melissa, the storm’s aftermath reverberated throughout the region, significantly affecting visitor perceptions and bookings. The storm, which made landfall in late October 2025, disrupted travel across the Caribbean, including the Bahamas. Although the island’s infrastructure largely remained intact, US air arrivals declined by 2.9% in November 2025, signaling the indirect effects of the storm and a larger trend of caution among travelers.
The primary decline in the Bahamas was felt in the high-value air traffic segment. US visitors, who tend to spend more per capita on accommodation, dining, and excursions, were deterred by the perception of instability in the region following the storm. This decrease in the number of air travelers has placed significant pressure on the Bahamas’ tourism economy, especially given the growing reliance on air arrivals for revenue generation.
While cruise tourism in the Bahamas has remained relatively strong, the air travel sector faced challenges in November 2025. According to official reports, the air traffic from the US fell by 0.9% in the lead-up to November, with US departures from Nassau Airport decreasing by 2.9%. This suggests that the Bahamian tourism sector is encountering significant constraints when it comes to accommodating high-value air travelers.
The issue is compounded by rising travel costs. The Bahamas, while offering a world-class experience, has become increasingly expensive for travelers, particularly with the cost of airfares rising due to limited capacity and higher demand. This has made the Bahamas less attractive compared to other Caribbean destinations, particularly Mexico and the Dominican Republic, where tourists can find more affordable alternatives with similar attractions and shorter flight times.
The decline in the US market is part of a broader trend of softening demand for the Bahamas in recent years. High-end destinations across the Caribbean are facing stiff competition as travelers are more price-sensitive and increasingly willing to seek out alternatives that offer more value for money.
One of the primary concerns for the Bahamas is its capacity constraints, particularly in its hotel and accommodation sector. The country’s popular islands, including Nassau and Paradise Island, have limited space for large-scale resort developments, making it harder to accommodate growing demand. As a result, the Bahamas is facing a situation where the cost per visitor is rising, but the number of high-spending US tourists is not increasing at the same rate.
Despite the challenges facing the Bahamas, the country remains a popular destination for those seeking sun, sea, and relaxation. Here’s a quick guide to some of the Bahamas’ most notable islands and attractions:
The Bahamas will need to address a range of issues if it hopes to reverse the decline in air traffic and maintain its position as a premier Caribbean destination. In the short term, it will be important for the Bahamas to focus on improving its value proposition for US travelers, potentially by introducing new pricing structures and enhancing the travel experience to cater to budget-conscious tourists.
Turks and Caicos, an exclusive luxury destination known for its stunning beaches and high-end resorts, has experienced a rare contraction in its tourism figures. November 2025 saw a 1.0% drop in stayover arrivals, a significant change for a destination that typically thrives on its high-end tourism. This decline, exacerbated by Hurricane Melissa and a cooling of the luxury travel market, has raised concerns about the future of the island chain’s tourism industry.
Although Turks and Caicos was not directly hit by Hurricane Melissa, the storm, which made landfall as a Category 5 hurricane, had a ripple effect throughout the Caribbean. The perception of a disrupted region led many potential travelers to reconsider their plans. Even though the islands avoided significant physical damage, the hurricane caused widespread flight cancellations, particularly from the US, which is the island’s main market.
The fear of disrupted vacations and reports of damaged infrastructure elsewhere in the region led to a decrease in bookings, particularly in the luxury sector, which is critical for Turks and Caicos. Although air arrivals from the US dropped by 1.0% in November 2025, the impact was more deeply felt in the high-net-worth segment of the market.
Turks and Caicos has long relied on wealthy travelers seeking exclusive resorts and secluded beaches. However, in November 2025, the island experienced a 7% drop in luxury travel. The luxury boom that had defined the region in the post-pandemic recovery period began to plateau as high-net-worth individuals started diversifying their travel options.
US travelers, particularly those accustomed to the island’s exclusive offerings, are now exploring more diverse destinations, including Europe and Asia, where luxury travel options are expanding. As a result, demand for high-end stays in Turks and Caicos has softened, and the island faces a growing challenge in maintaining its competitive edge in the luxury market.
While stayover arrivals took a hit, cruise tourism in Turks and Caicos also saw a major decline in October 2025. The cruise sector—which is an important part of the island’s tourism—suffered a 53% drop in passengers due to cancellations caused by Hurricane Melissa. Although Turks and Caicos remains a popular stop for cruise ships, the storm’s disruption and subsequent cancellations have had a lasting effect on the island’s ability to attract large numbers of tourists through the cruise segment.
Cruise passengers, who tend to spend less per capita than air travelers, are a vital part of the tourism mix in Turks and Caicos. The sharp drop in cruise visitors highlights the vulnerability of the island’s reliance on both luxury air traffic and cruise arrivals, especially during hurricane season.
Despite the challenges faced by the destination in recent months, Turks and Caicos remains a top-tier vacation destination for those seeking luxury, privacy, and natural beauty. Here’s a guide to some of the best spots to visit in this beautiful island chain:
Although Turks and Caicos has faced challenges, the future remains optimistic. The island has long been a luxury leader in the Caribbean, and while the luxury market is experiencing a slowdown, it still represents a core part of the island’s tourism economy. To maintain its competitiveness, Turks and Caicos must diversify its tourism offerings, particularly targeting growing markets in Europe and South America.
The recovery of the cruise industry will also play a crucial role in the island’s rebound, as it works to restore confidence among travelers and cruise operators. By investing in marketing efforts and offering attractive promotions, Turks and Caicos can weather the storm and continue to be one of the Caribbean’s most sought-after destinations for high-end travelers.
Anguilla, a small yet popular destination in the Caribbean, has faced a sharp decline in tourism in recent months, particularly from its key markets: the United States and Canada. While the island is known for its luxury offerings and pristine beaches, November 2025 saw a noticeable drop in visitor numbers. Factors such as connectivity issues, high travel costs, and the broader economic environment have contributed to this downturn.
Anguilla, heavily reliant on ferry transfers from neighboring St. Maarten, has long struggled with its accessibility. The island’s dependence on this ferry service for incoming visitors has proven to be a major bottleneck, especially during high travel seasons. In August 2025, US arrivals dropped by 16.3%, and Canadian arrivals fell by 22.3%, marking a significant decline in the number of tourists traveling to the island.
The ferry transfer system, while functional, is often seen as inconvenient and costly for many potential visitors, particularly those from the US and Canada. The lack of direct flights from major North American cities further exacerbates the issue, as many travelers are opting for more accessible destinations with direct airlift.
The broader economic climate has also played a role in the decline of tourism to Anguilla. With inflation and rising travel costs, particularly in the Canadian market, travelers are becoming more price-sensitive. Anguilla, known for its exclusivity and high-end resorts, may have become too expensive for some tourists, especially those facing financial pressures in their home countries.
In August 2025, visitor arrivals fell by 7.1%, continuing a downward trend from earlier in the year. This reflects a broader trend of travelers seeking more affordable, accessible destinations, such as the Dominican Republic, where similar luxury offerings can be found at a lower price point.
Anguilla’s tourism sector is predominantly geared towards luxury travelers, with upscale resorts and private villas offering exclusive experiences. However, this market segment is particularly sensitive to economic downturns, and the island has felt the effects of a cooling luxury market in 2025.
Luxury travelers, particularly those from the US and Canada, are increasingly diversifying their travel options. Destinations like Europe and Asia are offering unique luxury experiences, drawing some high-end tourists away from traditional Caribbean spots like Anguilla. The island’s high hotel rates and the increasing cost of travel have made it less attractive compared to competing luxury destinations.
Despite the challenges facing Anguilla, the island remains a stunning destination known for its crystal-clear waters, fine dining, and high-end accommodations. Here’s a quick guide to some of Anguilla’s must-visit spots:
Anguilla’s tourism industry faces a challenging road ahead, with a continued reliance on connectivity improvements and a focus on making the island more accessible to North American travelers. Addressing the ferry transfer bottleneck and negotiating more direct flight routes could help boost the island’s appeal, especially to travelers who find the current transportation options too cumbersome or expensive.
Dominica, often referred to as the “Nature Island” of the Caribbean, is facing a significant downturn in tourism, particularly from its key source market—Canada. While the island is known for its lush landscapes, volcanic terrain, and eco-tourism experiences, November 2025 saw a sharp 36.5% decline in Canadian arrivals. This downturn, driven by a combination of economic pressures, limited flight availability, and niche market volatility, has had a major impact on Dominica’s tourism industry.
Dominica has long been a niche destination for eco-tourism, attracting travelers seeking adventure and natural beauty. However, in recent years, Canadian visitors—a vital market for Dominica—have been less willing to spend on niche or off-the-beaten-path experiences. In 2025, Canadian arrivals fell by 36.5%, marking the sharpest drop among all the countries surveyed. The primary reason for this decline is economic uncertainty, particularly in Canada, where inflation and the weakening dollar have made international travel more expensive.
The rising cost of travel has pushed Canadian tourists toward more affordable and accessible destinations, such as the Dominican Republic or Mexico, which offer similar natural experiences but at a lower price point. Dominica’s high-cost infrastructure, which relies on limited international flights and costly transfers, has become less appealing to a price-sensitive market.
Another significant factor contributing to the decline in tourism is Dominica’s limited connectivity. The island’s lack of direct international flights means that visitors must rely on regional air connections, which are often more expensive and less convenient. The domestic flight network and ferry services are also limited, adding another layer of inconvenience for potential visitors. These transportation challenges make Dominica less competitive compared to other Caribbean destinations with more robust airlift options and better accessibility from major North American cities.
In November 2025, only 603 US visitors arrived in Dominica, reflecting the island’s ongoing struggle to attract tourists from larger markets. The lack of direct international flights to the island continues to hinder its growth potential, especially among travelers from North America who are looking for convenience and ease of access.
Dominica’s tourism sector is largely driven by eco-tourism, adventure travel, and natural experiences, such as hiking through its rainforests, visiting Boiling Lake, and exploring its volcanic landscapes. While this unique offering has a dedicated following, the niche market has proven to be more volatile compared to mass-market destinations.
With limited airlift, high costs, and a relatively small tourism infrastructure, Dominica is facing an uphill battle in attracting larger numbers of international visitors. While eco-tourism remains popular, the island’s small size and lack of significant resort development have made it less appealing for those looking for the same types of conveniences and luxury offerings that can be found in larger Caribbean destinations.
Despite its challenges, Dominica remains a paradise for eco-tourists and nature enthusiasts. Here’s a quick guide to some of the island’s most stunning natural attractions:
Dominica’s tourism industry faces significant challenges in the short term, particularly as the Canadian market retreats and limited connectivity remains a barrier. However, the island’s eco-tourism focus still holds potential for growth, especially as demand for sustainable travel experiences continues to rise globally.
Barbados, one of the Caribbean’s premier travel destinations, is experiencing a slight downturn in tourism, especially from its key source markets—Canada and the United States. While the island remains a popular choice for travelers seeking luxury and cultural experiences, November 2025 saw a 1.1% decline in Canadian arrivals and a stagnation in US visitor numbers. Rising costs, capacity constraints, and increased competition from other Caribbean destinations have all contributed to this decline.
Canada has long been a vital market for Barbados, especially during the winter months when Canadians flock to the island to escape the cold. However, inflation and the weakening Canadian dollar have put pressure on Canadian travelers, making Barbados less affordable for many.
In November 2025, Canadian arrivals dropped by 1.1%, which, although modest, signals a trend of Canadians opting for destinations with better value propositions. Barbados has long been known for its premium offerings, but as costs rise and competition increases, it has become a more expensive choice compared to alternatives like the Dominican Republic or Mexico. Many Canadian tourists are now choosing these more budget-friendly options for similar beach experiences at a lower cost.
In addition to rising costs, Barbados also faces significant capacity constraints that have limited its ability to grow visitor numbers from the US market. Although the US remains the island’s largest source market, US arrivals remained stable in November 2025, with a modest number of 4,877 visitors recorded. However, the stagnation reflects deeper issues with airlift capacity, as the island has limited options for direct flights from US cities, particularly during the peak travel season.
The limited seating capacity on direct flights to Barbados has made it increasingly difficult for the island to compete with destinations that offer more convenient airlift. Travelers are looking for destinations that are easier to reach and offer seamless travel experiences, which has led many to choose other Caribbean islands with stronger flight networks.
Barbados, known for its luxury resorts, fine dining, and upscale experiences, is increasingly facing pressure from cheaper destinations in the Caribbean that offer similar experiences at a lower price. While Barbados has always been associated with high-end tourism, luxury travelers are becoming more price-sensitive in the wake of global economic uncertainties. As a result, the island is seeing a shift in demand, with some high-end travelers opting for more affordable luxury experiences elsewhere.
The island’s reliance on premium tourism is becoming a double-edged sword. While Barbados remains a leader in luxury travel, it risks alienating a growing segment of travelers who are looking for both quality and value. The challenge will be for Barbados to find a balance between maintaining its reputation as a luxury destination and offering more accessible options for a wider range of travelers.
Despite the challenges faced by Barbados’ tourism sector, the island remains a top destination in the Caribbean, known for its natural beauty, vibrant culture, and rich history. Here’s a quick guide to some of the best destinations and attractions in Barbados:
Barbados’ tourism industry is at a crossroads. While the island remains one of the Caribbean’s most popular destinations, it must address the rising costs, capacity constraints, and the increasing competition from more affordable destinations. The US market’s stagnation and Canada’s retreat signal that Barbados needs to find innovative ways to maintain its status as a top-tier destination without alienating budget-conscious travelers.
Jamaica, along with the Bahamas, Turks and Caicos, Anguilla, Grenada, and Barbados, is seeing fewer visitors from the US and Canada, with Jamaica experiencing a 20.4% drop in US arrivals and 1.7% in Canadian visitors, mainly because of high travel costs and fewer flight options.
In conclusion, the decline in US and Canadian visitors to Jamaica and other Caribbean destinations reflects the ongoing pressures faced by the region’s tourism industry. Rising travel costs, limited connectivity, and increasing competition from other destinations are forcing once-popular spots to rethink their strategies. While Jamaica saw a significant drop in arrivals, particularly from the US and Canadian markets, this downturn is part of a broader regional trend that is reshaping the Caribbean tourism landscape. As travelers become more price-sensitive and seek destinations that offer better value and accessibility, Caribbean nations will need to focus on offering affordable, seamless travel experiences. Additionally, diversifying their visitor base and attracting new markets, such as Europe and South America, will be crucial to ensuring sustained growth. For the Caribbean to maintain its position as a leading global travel destination, the region must adapt to changing demands, improve infrastructure, and continue to enhance its unique offerings. Only through strategic adjustments, focusing on value and accessibility, can the Caribbean remain competitive in the evolving global tourism market.
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