Cuba, Saint Lucia, Jamaica, the Bahamas, Grenada, Martiniqu and others see a Tourism decline.
Several major Caribbean destinations, including Cuba, Saint Lucia, Jamaica, the Bahamas and Grenada, have reported notable declines in international visitor arrivals amid a complicated global travel landscape. While the wider Caribbean region recorded strong overall tourism growth in 2024, surpassing pre-pandemic benchmarks with an estimated 34.2 million international arrivals, a subset of key destinations has seen numbers slip in 2025 due to economic pressures and shifting traveler preferences.
In Cuba, the downturn has been especially pronounced. Official figures indicate a drop of nearly -18.7 % in arrivals in 2025, reflecting broader economic challenges on the island and the lingering impact of U.S. sanctions, which have discouraged travel from North America and limited direct air service.
Other popular destinations have suffered more modest declines. Saint Lucia saw roughly -3.2 % fewer visitors, while Jamaica — typically one of the region’s strongest performers — posted a -2.0 % decline in arrivals. The Bahamas also reported a dip of about -3.4 %, and Grenada recorded roughly -5.9 % fewer tourists between January and November 2025.
Industry analysts point to a confluence of factors: rising travel costs, inflationary pressure on airline tickets and hotel rates, and greater competition from other global destinations offering comparable beach and resort experiences at lower prices. Higher visa requirements and limited direct flight options have further complicated travel planning for some Caribbean markets.
Despite these declines, the regional tourism picture is mixed rather than dire. Many Caribbean islands continue to draw strong interest, and overall visitor numbers across the region have stayed resilient — buoyed by robust demand from markets such as the United States and Canada in 2024.
