Jamaica Joins Dominican Republic, Bahamas, Cuba, Costa Rica, Mexico and More in Experiencing a Significant Decline in US Tourist Arrivals for Nine Successive Months in 2025: Everything You Need To Know

Published on October 31, 2025

Jamaica joins Dominican Republic, Bahamas, Cuba, Costa Rica, Mexico, and more in experiencing a significant decline in US tourist arrivals for nine successive months in 2025 due to rising costs and shifting travel trends. Across the Caribbean and Central America, once-bustling destinations are feeling the impact as inflation, soaring airfares, and evolving traveler preferences reshape the tourism landscape. More Americans are choosing shorter, closer-to-home escapes or seeking authentic, sustainable experiences over traditional resort vacations. Jamaica’s resort bookings have softened, while the Dominican Republic and the Bahamas report reduced cruise traffic. Cuba continues to face policy-related travel barriers, and even long-standing favorites like Mexico and Costa Rica are seeing slower demand. Together, these trends mark a regional shift toward more conscious, value-driven travel in a changing global economy.

Jamaica: Still Jammin’, Even as Numbers Dip

Jamaica’s visitor count from the U.S. fell 3.1%, from 1.08 million to 1.04 million between January and June. Rising travel costs have tightened wallets, but the island’s infectious rhythm still draws millions. With reggae beats, lush mountains, and sun-kissed beaches, Jamaica offers an experience that’s equal parts chill and thrill. For travelers, it’s not just a vacation — it’s a vibe.

Traveler’s Cheat Sheet:

• Where to Go: Montego Bay for resorts, Negril for sunsets, Kingston for culture
• What to Do: Raft the Martha Brae, hike the Blue Mountains, visit Bob Marley’s home
• When to Visit: November–April for ideal weather
• Insider Tip: Skip the crowds — try Treasure Beach for a taste of Jamaica’s soulful south coast.

Dominican Republic: A Caribbean Giant Catching Its Breath

The Dominican Republic — once the unshakable star of Caribbean tourism — saw a 5% slide in U.S. arrivals, dropping from 2.21 million to 2.1 million travelers between January and July. The beaches are still breathtaking, and Punta Cana’s all-inclusive resorts remain packed, but competition across the region is heating up. Travelers are seeking something deeper — culture, sustainability, and authenticity — pushing the D.R. to rethink how it markets its magic beyond the shoreline.

Traveler’s Cheat Sheet:

• Where to Go: Punta Cana for beaches, Santo Domingo for history, Samaná for seclusion
• What to Do: Catamaran cruises, cacao tours, and merengue dancing with locals
• When to Visit: December–April for clear skies and gentle breezes
• Insider Tip: Skip the resort buffet one night — dine in Santo Domingo’s Zona Colonial for a taste of true Dominican flavor.

The Bahamas: Calm Seas, Fewer Crowds

The Bahamas recorded a 2.7% decline in U.S. tourist arrivals — from 1.09 million to 1.05 million — between January and July. The numbers may be dipping, but the charm isn’t fading. This island paradise remains one of the easiest escapes for American travelers. With turquoise waters, luxury resorts, and powder-soft beaches, the Bahamas continues to sell serenity — just now, with a bit more elbow room to enjoy it.

Traveler’s Cheat Sheet:

• Where to Go: Nassau for nightlife, Exuma for quiet luxury, Grand Bahama for family fun
• What to Do: Swim with pigs, snorkel coral reefs, or island-hop by seaplane
• When to Visit: Mid-December–mid-April (dry season)
• Insider Tip: Head to the Out Islands — fewer crowds, same postcard-perfect water.

Cuba: Still Dancing, But the Music’s Harder to Hear

Cuba’s U.S. arrivals plunged 19.5%, dropping from 104,358 to 83,981 between January and August — the steepest fall in the region. Politics and policy hurdles continue to cloud travel prospects, but Cuba’s spirit refuses to dim. Visitors who do make the journey discover an island alive with rhythm, resilience, and revolution — where time feels slower, and every conversation carries history.

Traveler’s Cheat Sheet:

• Where to Go: Havana for culture, Trinidad for colonial charm, Varadero for beaches
• What to Do: Ride in a 1950s convertible, sip mojitos in Hemingway’s haunts, dance to live salsa
• When to Visit: November–April for dry skies
• Insider Tip: Pack euros or Canadian dollars — U.S. currency can be tricky to exchange.

Costa Rica: The Green Jewel Glows, Even in a Dip

Costa Rica — the eco-tourism trailblazer — saw a 2.5% decline in U.S. arrivals, from 1.23 million to 1.20 million (January–August). The slip reflects global travel costs more than waning appeal. The country’s rainforests, volcanoes, and “pura vida” lifestyle continue to inspire loyal visitors. Costa Rica remains a symbol of what sustainable travel should look like — wild, welcoming, and mindful.

Traveler’s Cheat Sheet:

• Where to Go: Monteverde, Arenal, Manuel Antonio, Tamarindo
• What to Do: Zipline through canopies, hike volcanoes, release sea turtles
• When to Visit: December–April for sunshine; May–June for lush green scenery
• Insider Tip: Visit the Osa Peninsula — it’s a hidden Eden where jungle meets the sea.

Mexico: The Mighty Magnet Slows — But Just a Little

Even powerhouses need a pause. Mexico’s U.S. arrivals slipped a modest 1.1% — from 8.92 million to 8.82 million — during January to July. A slight breather after years of record-breaking surges. Analysts suggest a mix of inflation and safety perceptions have trimmed momentum, but Mexico remains the undisputed heavyweight of American tourism abroad. From the Yucatán to Baja, its blend of culture, cuisine, and coastline keeps drawing millions back year after year.

Traveler’s Cheat Sheet:

• Where to Go: Cancun, Tulum, Mexico City, Los Cabos
• What to Do: Explore Mayan ruins, street taco hop, surf Pacific waves
• When to Visit: November–March for the best mix of weather and value
• Insider Tip: Oaxaca is a must for food lovers — it’s Mexico’s culinary soul and the birthplace of mole.

Belize: Small Country, Big Heart

Tiny Belize experienced a gentle 1% decline — from 258,533 to 255,930 U.S. visitors — between January and July. But what Belize lacks in size, it more than makes up for in soul. It’s one of the few places where you can dive the world’s second-largest barrier reef in the morning and explore Mayan ruins by afternoon. With its English-speaking locals, laid-back pace, and untamed beauty, Belize remains a gem for travelers seeking both adventure and peace.

Traveler’s Cheat Sheet:

• Where to Go: Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, San Ignacio, Placencia
• What to Do: Dive the Great Blue Hole, kayak lagoons, trek to ancient temples
• When to Visit: November–April (dry season)
• Insider Tip: Pair reef and jungle — it’s Belize’s ultimate two-in-one adventure.

Jamaica saw a 3.1% decline in US tourist arrivals, joining the Dominican Republic, Bahamas, Cuba, Costa Rica, Mexico, and more in experiencing a significant downturn in 2025 due to rising costs and shifting travel trends.

Conclusion

Jamaica joins Dominican Republic, Bahamas, Cuba, Costa Rica, Mexico, and more in experiencing a significant decline in US tourist arrivals for nine successive months in 2025, largely due to rising costs and shifting travel trends. As inflation, high airfare, and changing traveler preferences reshape global tourism, these once-booming destinations are being challenged to adapt. The trend reflects not just an economic shift, but an evolution in what modern travelers value — authenticity, sustainability, and meaningful experiences over traditional resort escapes.