Caribbean travel is booming in 2025, with US tourists flocking to the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, the Bahamas, and more. There has been a big increase in Canadian travellers, with the Bahamas seeing an increase of up to 50%. Travellers from the UK, Germany, France, and the Netherlands are also driving a larger Caribbean tourism boom. Caribbean Travel Surges: US, UK, Canada Lead 2025—and the data proves it.
The Dominican Republic kicked off the year with over 1.15 million visitors in January, an 8% increase, and hotel occupancy across top destinations is averaging 82%. Cruise traffic is back strong, and visa-free travel is making it even easier to explore. Summer 2025 bookings are already up 26%, showing just how high demand is climbing. Whether it’s air or sea arrivals, travelers are choosing Caribbean destinations in record numbers—and every island, from Barbados to Antigua and Barbuda, is seeing the payoff.
Record-Breaking Arrivals: Top Trends
US tourists are driving the Caribbean travel surge, with over 13 million arrivals recorded so far in 2025. The Dominican Republic is leading, pulling in travelers with strong air connectivity and easy visa-free travel. Jamaica is also booming, with tourism revenue soaring and cruise arrivals up. In the Bahamas, 82% of visitors are coming by sea, while air arrivals from Canada and Europe are rising fast.
Canadian tourists are booking big—up 50% in the Bahamas and climbing in Barbados and Antigua. The UK, Germany, France, and the Netherlands are adding to the momentum, filling hotels fast. Booking demand is high, hotel occupancy is at 82%, and every Caribbean destination is seeing gains from US, Canada, and European markets.
Top Caribbean Destinations & Their Performance
The Dominican Republic continues to attract US tourists with over 1.15 million visitors in January and an 8% growth rate. 4.3 million people visit Jamaica each year, and the number of people coming from other Caribbean countries is up 25% from the previous year. More than 11 million people visitMore than 11 million people visit the Bahamas each year, and 82% of them arrive by water, which means there are a lot of cruise passengers.
Canadian and European tourists are also helping Barbados and Antigua & Barbuda, which is good for hotel occupancy rates.Cayman Islands and Puerto Rico round out the top destinations benefiting from increased air connectivity and visa-free travel policies. Across these islands, hotel occupancy averages 82%, reflecting the steady rise in Caribbean tourism. This steady growth shows that US tourists, along with Canada, UK, Germany, France, and the Netherlands visitors, are flocking to the Caribbean like never before.
New Growth Drivers
Air connectivity is a big reason Caribbean travel is surging in 2025. New direct flights from the US, Canada, and Europe make destinations like the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and the Bahamas easier to reach. Visa-free travel policies are also helping tourists from the UK, Germany, France, and the Netherlands book trips faster. The cruise industry is bouncing back strong, bringing more visitors to islands like the Bahamas where 82% of arrivals come by sea.
Digital border controls make it easier to get in and out of the country and make travel more enjoyableAll of these things together make Caribbean tourism more popular, which means that demand for summer 2025 bookings is up 26%. From air to cruise passengers, US tourists and international travelers are driving this surge, helping islands like Barbados, Antigua & Barbuda, and Cayman Islands see big gains.
Under-the-Radar Markets to Watch
The Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and the Bahamas are still the most popular Caribbean destinations, but smaller ones are getting more attention.Islands like Grenada, Saint Lucia, and Curaçao are starting to attract more US tourists and travelers from Canada, the UK, and Europe. These under-the-radar markets benefit from new air connectivity and visa-free travel agreements, making it easier for visitors to explore.
Antigua & Barbuda and Barbados also see steady growth thanks to their strong ties with Canada and Europe.As more people go to the Caribbean in 2025, these lesser-known places give travellers other places to go that aren’t as crowded.With hotel occupancy rising across the region, more travelers are discovering these hidden gems alongside popular spots, adding to the overall boost in Caribbean tourism from US, Canadian, and European markets.
Tourist Behavior Shifts
Tourist behavior in the Caribbean is changing in 2025More and more US visitors and travellers from Canada, the UK, Germany, France, and the Netherlands are booking trips closer to when they want to go, which means shorter booking windows.Many now prefer longer stays at eco-friendly and boutique resorts across the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and the Bahamas.
Multigenerational travel is also growing, with families choosing destinations like Antigua & Barbuda and Barbados that offer diverse activities. Experiential travel is on the rise, as visitors look for authentic cultural experiences and sustainable options. These shifts align with the Caribbean travel surge and growing hotel occupancy rates, helping islands maintain strong tourism growth while adapting to new traveler preferences from the US and international markets.
Sustainability & Infrastructure Efforts
Sustainability is becoming a key focus as Caribbean travel surges in 2025. Destinations like the Dominican Republic, Barbados, and Antigua & Barbuda are introducing tourist taxes to fund green initiatives and improve infrastructure. These efforts help protect the environment while supporting rising visitor numbers from the US, Canada, and Europe. Hotel occupancy rates are climbing, and islands are investing in eco-friendly resorts to meet traveler demand for sustainable options.
Infrastructure upgrades, such as airport expansions and better digital border controls, are making travel smoother for tourists from the UK, Germany, France, and the Netherlands. By balancing growth with sustainability, Caribbean destinations ensure they can welcome more visitors now and in the future without harming their natural beauty or local communities.
Travel Tips for 2025 Caribbean Visitors
If you’re planning a trip to the Caribbean in 2025, booking early is key. US tourists and visitors from Canada, the UK, Germany, France, and the Netherlands should aim to book 60 to 90 days in advance, as demand is high and hotel occupancy is around 82%. Compare flights and cruise options when traveling to the Bahamas, Jamaica, or the Dominican Republic, since both are popular arrival methods.
Keep an eye on visa-free travel policies that make visiting Antigua & Barbuda, Barbados, and the Cayman Islands easier. Also, be prepared for tourist taxes, which help support sustainability efforts. With Caribbean travel surging, planning ahead ensures you get the best deals and avoid last-minute stress during your island getaway.
Expert Forecast: What’s Ahead for Caribbean Travel
Experts predict Caribbean travel will keep growing through late 2025, with US tourists leading the way. Airlines plan to add more direct flights from the US, Canada, and Europe to top destinations like the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and the Bahamas. Cruise lines are also adding new routes, which brings in more people by water.
Regional tourism boards are working together to promote multi-island trips, boosting arrivals in Antigua & Barbuda, Barbados, and the Cayman Islands. Visa-free travel and digital border controls will continue to make visiting easier for travelers from the UK, Germany, France, and the Netherlands. Overall, the Caribbean’s infrastructure upgrades and sustainability efforts position the region well for strong tourism gains, making 2025 a great year for travelers and the industry alike.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are US tourists flocking to the Caribbean in 2025?
US tourists are drawn by improved air connectivity, visa-free travel, and growing cruise options. Popular destinations like the Dominican Republic and Jamaica offer easy access and rich experiences.
Which Caribbean countries are seeing the biggest travel gains?
The Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Bahamas, Barbados, Antigua & Barbuda, and Cayman Islands lead, with strong arrivals from the US, Canada, UK, Germany, France, and the Netherlands.
How has air connectivity impacted Caribbean tourism?
New direct flights from the US, Canada, and Europe make the Caribbean easier to reach, boosting arrivals and hotel occupancy across top destinations in 2025.
What role does visa-free travel play in Caribbean tourism growth?
Visa-free travel policies speed up bookings and make Caribbean destinations like Antigua & Barbuda and Barbados more accessible for tourists from Europe and North America.
How is the cruise industry affecting Caribbean travel numbers?
The cruise industry’s recovery is significant, especially in the Bahamas, where 82% of arrivals are by sea, helping boost visitor numbers and regional tourism growth.
Are smaller Caribbean islands benefiting from the travel surge?
Yes, islands like Grenada, Saint Lucia, and Curaçao are attracting more US, Canadian, and European tourists, thanks to new flights and visa-free travel agreements.
What changes are seen in tourist behavior in 2025?
Tourists are booking trips closer to travel dates, preferring longer stays, eco-friendly resorts, and experiential travel, with more multigenerational family visits across Caribbean destinations.
How are Caribbean destinations addressing sustainability with growing tourism?
Islands are introducing tourist taxes, investing in eco-friendly resorts, and upgrading infrastructure to balance rising arrivals with protecting natural resources and local communities.
When is the best time to book a Caribbean trip in 2025?
Booking 60 to 90 days in advance is ideal due to high demand, with hotel occupancy around 82% and rising bookings for summer 2025.
What’s the forecast for Caribbean travel later in 2025?
Travel is expected to grow further, with more flights, cruise routes, and easier border controls supporting arrivals from the US, Canada, UK, Germany, France, and the Netherlands.
Conclusion:
Caribbean travel is booming in 2025, with US tourists leading record arrivals in the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and the Bahamas. Visitors from Canada, the UK, Germany, France, and the Netherlands are also boosting tourism across Barbados, Antigua & Barbuda, and the Cayman Islands.There are a lot of people staying in hotels, and both air and sea arrivals are on the rise.
More tourists than ever are choosing the Caribbean because there are more planes, cruise routes, and easier visa-free travel. Sustainability efforts and infrastructure improvements ensure the islands can welcome this surge responsibly. Whether you’re planning a quick getaway or a longer stay, the Caribbean offers more choices and opportunities in 2025. Now’s the perfect time to explore these beautiful destinations.
Stephanie Kiley, founder of PilotXplore, is a commercial pilot and Doctor of Education based in Connecticut. I shares expert aviation insights, travel tips, and airline reviews, making air travel easier for all. Passionate about flying and learning, she loves exploring new destinations and simplifying aviation for travelers.