ST. JOHN’S, Antigua — New findings from the 2026 Caribbean Travel Trends Report show Caribbean tourism is entering a new strategic phase, one defined less by rapid post-pandemic recovery and more by the need to diversify demand, capture higher-value travellers and unlock growth beyond traditional peak periods.
The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) and Amadeus unveiled the new report at the Caribbean Travel Forum 2026 taking place this week in Antigua.
Drawing on Amadeus Travel Intelligence data covering air travel, hospitality, and traveller behaviour from April 2025 through March 2026, the report shows that overseas demand to the Caribbean grew just 1% YOY, “a clear moderation” from the 21% and 8% gains in the two prior years.
The CHTA says that with post-recovery momentum stabilizing, the Caribbean’s next chapter will be shaped by data-driven targeting, market diversification and the ability to convert traveller intent into bookings “at the moments that matter most.”
The 2026 report findings include …
- Smaller destinations are driving the region’s momentum. Second-tier destinations grew 2%, signalling that recent growth is increasingly being driven by smaller markets expanding from a lower base, says the CHTA. Dominica led the region with 22% year-over-year growth, supported by improved air connectivity and rising demand for nature- and adventure-focused travel. Sint Maarten followed at 18%, reflecting its dual appeal as a destination in its own right and a gateway to Saint Martin, Anguilla and St. Barthélemy.
- The Caribbean leads on accessibility and value. Using the U.S. as the benchmark, the CHTA found that the average economy fare from the U.S. to the Caribbean was US$385, “making the region 32% more affordable than South America at $569 and broadly comparable with Central America at $387.”
- Hotel revenue strengthens at peak, with clear room to grow off-peak. Caribbean hotels delivered RevPAR of $183 per night during the high season, a 5.2% YOY increase, while end-of-year holiday RevPAR climbed to $283. Low-season RevPAR held at $125, well below peak levels.
- Demand from Latin America surges. Demand from Latin American source markets grew 24% year over year, with premium travel from South America up 117%. Looking at South America as a whole, Brazil delivered 60% growth in low-season arrivals, the fastest among South American source markets.
- Caribbean culture is driving longer, more meaningful visits. Analysis of CARIFESTA XV 2025 in Barbados shows arrivals climbed 23% during the festival period compared with the previous year, with intra-Caribbean travel accounting for 23.3% of arrivals, up 3.3 percentage points year over year. Travellers booked more than three months ahead and extended their stays.
CHTA President Sanovnik Destang said the findings reinforce both the opportunity and the discipline required to compete in today’s global tourism landscape.
“The Caribbean is entering a more strategic chapter, one where data, diversification, and destination positioning will determine who captures the next wave of growth. Latin American demand is rising fast, premium travelers are choosing the Caribbean in record numbers, and our cultural calendar is proving it can extend stays and drive economic impact across borders. The insights we unveiled with Amadeus at Caribbean Travel Forum give our members the intelligence to compete confidently, capture year-round demand, and translate the Caribbean’s unmatched appeal into lasting prosperity for our communities,” said Destang.
The full 2026 Caribbean Travel Trends Report is available at https://www.amadeus-
JAMAICA’S RESILIENCE
Jamaica’s Tourism Minister, Edmund Bartlett, stepped up to the podium today at Caribbean Travel Forum 2026, highlighting the country’s resilience and growth in tourism despite significant challenges, including a 41% GDP impact from Hurricane Melissa.
In the first quarter of 2026 Jamaica welcomed one million visitors, generating US$956 million in foreign exchange earnings. Key source markets showed 25% growth from Latin America and 7% from Asia. The hotel sector is rebounding, with 80% of rooms operational. Upcoming developments include 15,000-20,000 new rooms and $1.5 billion in investments.
Lead image caption: The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association’s (CHTA) Caribbean Travel Forum 2026 is happening this week in Antigua (photos courtesy Michelle Zimmer)
