Puerto Rico Joins Bahamas, Dominican Republic, Aruba, Curaçao and Belize in Propelling Caribbean Travel Boom with Soaring Tourist Arrivals and Growth in Tourism Revenue — Get the Latest Details Before Your Next Trip

Published on December 9, 2025

Puerto Rico joins the Bahamas, Dominican Republic, Aruba, Curaçao, and Belize in propelling the Caribbean travel boom. These destinations have experienced soaring tourist arrivals and significant growth in tourism revenue, making 2025 a record year for the region. As travelers continue to flock to the Caribbean for its stunning beaches, rich culture, and unique experiences, these islands are seeing remarkable increases in both bookings and economic growth. With Puerto Rico leading the way, alongside other hot spots like the Bahamas and Dominican Republic, the Caribbean’s appeal is stronger than ever. Aruba’s warm hospitality, Curaçao’s vibrant culture, and Belize’s adventure-filled offerings are contributing to this surge, drawing in visitors from all over the world. In this article, we’ll explore the details of the ongoing travel boom and how you can make the most of your next trip to these incredible destinations.

Puerto Rico — The Caribbean Gateway with Rich Culture and Stunning Coasts

Puerto Rico offers a mix of history, vibrant culture, and stunning beaches. With its seamless blend of old-world charm and modern amenities, it’s a haven for both adventure seekers and those looking to relax.

What to See and Do

• Explore the historic streets of Old San Juan, home to colourful colonial buildings and forts like Castillo San Felipe del Morro.
• Relax on the pristine beaches of Condado, Isla Verde, or Rincon — perfect for swimming, surfing, or simply unwinding.
• Experience Puerto Rican culture through its music, festivals, and the culinary delights of mofongo and lechón.
• Visit El Yunque National Forest for hiking through lush tropical rainforests, waterfalls, and wildlife.

Don’t Miss

• The mix of culture, beaches, and ease of access from the U.S. mainland. Puerto Rico offers everything from historic sights to modern resort amenities, all in one destination.

Surge in Hotel Bookings

In recent years, Puerto Rico has seen a significant increase in tourism. The rise in hotel bookings has been substantial, especially in San Juan, with a notable increase in occupancy rates during the high seasons.

This data reflects the rising demand for both luxury and mid-range accommodations, as visitors flock to Puerto Rico for a diverse and rich travel experience.

The Bahamas — Record-Breaking Tourism with Unmatched Island Variety

The Bahamas, made up of over 700 islands, continues to captivate tourists with its stunning beaches, luxury resorts, and unique mix of cultural experiences.

What to See and Do

• Explore Nassau and Paradise Island, home to world-class resorts, casinos, and the famous Atlantis Resort.
• Visit Exuma for pristine, secluded beaches and swimming with pigs in crystal-clear waters.
• Enjoy a range of water activities from snorkeling to diving in the blue holes and coral reefs.
• Discover the history and culture of the islands at sites like the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas.

Don’t Miss

• The vast variety of islands — from the popular resorts of Nassau to the quieter, less-commercialized Out Islands, providing experiences for every type of traveller.

Surge in Hotel Bookings

In 2024, the Bahamas experienced a monumental surge in both arrivals and hotel bookings. The increased demand is seen across all types of accommodations, from ultra-luxury resorts to more budget-friendly options.

The data reveals a booming hospitality sector, with hotels struggling to meet demand during peak times. With the Bahamas continuing to expand its infrastructure, the growth is expected to continue.

Dominican Republic — The Caribbean’s Most-Visited Destination

The Dominican Republic is the Caribbean’s most popular destination, offering a combination of beautiful beaches, luxury resorts, and vibrant local culture.

What to See and Do

• Explore the colonial history in Santo Domingo, the oldest city in the New World, with its UNESCO-listed historic district.
• Relax on the beaches of Punta Cana or Puerto Plata, renowned for their beauty and all-inclusive resorts.
• Discover the stunning natural landscapes in places like the Pico Duarte mountain range or the Los Haitises National Park.
• Enjoy the lively nightlife and music, especially in areas like Bavaro and Santo Domingo.

Don’t Miss

• The combination of beach resorts and rich history makes the Dominican Republic a perfect destination for both relaxation and exploration.

Surge in Hotel Bookings

The Dominican Republic has seen record-breaking tourism, with a significant increase in hotel bookings, especially in Punta Cana, the largest tourist hub.

The Dominican Republic’s popularity continues to surge as more international visitors flock to its shores, driving higher hotel occupancy and better-than-ever earnings for the hospitality sector.

Aruba — Small Island with Big Charm

Aruba offers a laid-back atmosphere, perfect for travellers seeking pristine beaches, stable weather, and a friendly environment. Its appeal lies in the simplicity and charm of this small Caribbean island.

What to See and Do

• Spend your days lounging on Eagle Beach or Palm Beach, two of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean.
• Enjoy water sports such as snorkelling, scuba diving, and windsurfing in the calm waters.
• Take a trip to Arikok National Park for stunning desert landscapes, caves, and the natural pool.
• Experience the island’s unique cultural mix, with influences from Latin America, the Netherlands, and the Caribbean.

Don’t Miss

• The year-round perfect weather, with little to no rain and pleasant trade winds, makes it an ideal beach destination at any time of the year.

Surge in Hotel Bookings

Aruba has seen a steady increase in tourism over the years, with high occupancy rates reported across various hotel categories. The demand is especially high during the winter months when tourists escape colder climates.

The strong demand for Aruba, coupled with the island’s small size and manageable tourism infrastructure, has made it a hot spot for both repeat visitors and new travellers.

Curaçao — A Rising Star with Steady Growth

Curaçao is one of the lesser-known gems of the Caribbean, offering a unique blend of Dutch colonial architecture, beautiful beaches, and vibrant local culture.

What to See and Do

• Explore Willemstad, a UNESCO World Heritage city with colourful colonial buildings and an intriguing blend of cultures.
• Visit the secluded beaches of Cas Abao and Grote Knip for stunning natural beauty.
• Dive or snorkel in the crystal-clear waters, with some of the best underwater experiences in the Caribbean.
• Learn about the island’s history at the Kura Hulanda Museum and enjoy the local cuisine at waterfront restaurants.

Don’t Miss

• The charming, less-commercialized vibe of Curaçao, which offers a more intimate and unique Caribbean experience compared to more popular islands.

Surge in Hotel Bookings

Curaçao’s tourism numbers have been rising steadily, with increased interest in its hotels and resorts. While smaller than other Caribbean nations, the island’s growth trajectory in tourism is impressive.

Curaçao is carving out a niche as an increasingly popular destination for travellers looking for a quieter, yet vibrant, Caribbean vacation.

Belize — A Unique Blend of Jungle, Reef, and Heritage

Belize is one of the most unique destinations in the Caribbean, offering a mix of pristine beaches, ancient Maya ruins, and lush rainforests. This diversity makes it a perfect location for adventure travellers and history buffs alike.

What to See and Do

• Explore the ancient Mayan city of Caracol, one of the largest and most impressive archaeological sites in the region.
• Visit the Belize Barrier Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage site, for some of the best diving and snorkelling in the world.
• Hike through tropical rainforests, visit caves, or take a wildlife safari in one of the many national parks.
• Experience the unique cultural blend of indigenous, African, and Caribbean influences in the local food and music.

Don’t Miss

• The combination of natural beauty, rich culture, and adventure — Belize offers something different from the typical beach holiday.

Surge in Hotel Bookings

Belize has seen an impressive increase in tourism, especially in the eco-tourism and adventure travel sectors. As more tourists discover the country’s natural wonders, hotel occupancy rates have grown consistently.

Belize is quickly gaining traction as a must-visit destination for those seeking more than just sun and sand, with its exceptional range of activities and natural beauty.

What Makes the Caribbean So Irresistible Right Now

• Massive rebound and growth: With 34.2 million total arrivals in 2024, the Caribbean collectively surpassed pre‑pandemic 2019 levels.
• Diverse options: From party beaches, luxury resorts, cruise ports, diving reefs, jungles, colonial towns, to Mayan ruins — there is variety for all tastes.
• Improved connectivity & marketing: More flights, more cruise connections, aggressive tourism campaigns are pulling in travellers from North America, Canada, Europe and beyond.
• Value for money + variety: Some islands offer luxury, others offer budget or mid‑range stays; some deliver adventure, others deliver calm resort life.

These strengths have turned 2024 into a banner year — and 2025 seems poised to keep climbing.

The Future Looks Bright — And Competitive

Given the surge, expect:

• More infrastructure in popular destinations: more hotels, resorts, better transport, more flights.
• Rising demand means likely higher prices — especially in peak seasons. Planning ahead will be important.
• Growing interest in lesser‑known or “alternative” Caribbean destinations: islands with nature, heritage or unique vibe (like Belize, Curaçao) are becoming more attractive.
• Competition for visitors among islands — each trying to offer something unique (luxury, adventure, culture, calm).

Tourism boards and governments will likely invest more — for airports, hotels, marketing, sustainable tourism — to capture and manage the boom.

Conclusion — Caribbean’s Golden Moment, but Choose Your Escape

The Caribbean is not just bouncing back — it is booming. Destinations like The Bahamas, Dominican Republic, Aruba, Curaçao, Puerto Rico, and Belize are riding a tidal wave of tourist arrivals, hotel bookings, and global interest.

Whether you want sunlit beaches, luxury resorts, jungle adventures, historic cities, or quiet island life — the Caribbean now offers it all, with improved connectivity and strong demand.

For travellers: this is the time to go — but pick smartly: plan early, choose your vibe, and enjoy one of the world’s most alluring holiday regions.

For the tourism industry and travel media: the numbers speak loud. The Caribbean has reclaimed its throne — and the race among islands is on.