As Americans prepare for their winter getaways in 2024-2025, their interest in Caribbean destinations has notably increased, particularly towards Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, and the Mexican Caribbean. This trend is further supported by data from Mabrian travel intelligence, which highlights the Caribbean as a preferred winter escape for American travelers.
Key Insights from Mabrian Travel Intelligence
Mabrian’s analysis shows that Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, and the Mexican Caribbean are poised to benefit significantly from this growing travel demand. The data was derived from Mabrian’s Share of Searches Index, which tracks flight search behaviors to assess market interest in various destinations. This index focuses on search activities from the top 20 American airports, representing 85% of the total international air connectivity from the U.S. The analysis monitored flight searches for trips planned between November 2024 and February 2025.
The United States has historically been a vital source market for Caribbean tourism, especially during the winter season. The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) reported approximately 16.3 million stay-over arrivals from the U.S. in 2023, reflecting a 12.7% year-over-year increase. Overall, the Caribbean welcomed around 32.2 million international travelers in 2023, underlining its appeal.
Costa Rica’s Rising Popularity
Among the destinations analyzed, Costa Rica exhibited the most substantial growth in inspirational demand from American travelers, increasing by 33% year over year. Of its two main airports, the Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport in the northwest of the country saw the highest demand surge, reaching a remarkable 54%. This airport serves as a convenient gateway to popular coastal areas such as Tambor, Tamarindo, and the Papagayo Gulf.
The broad appeal of Costa Rica across various American airports indicates its status as a top-of-mind destination for winter travel. This trend bodes well for overall bookings and arrivals, suggesting that travel agencies can expect a robust season for this destination.
Puerto Rico and the Mexican Caribbean
Puerto Rico is also seeing a positive trend, with a 9% increase in inspirational demand compared to the same period in 2023. Similarly, the Mexican Caribbean is experiencing an average growth of 6% across key airports such as Cancun, Cozumel, and Tulum. The Dominican Republic follows closely with a 4% increase in interest, primarily driven by growth at Santo Domingo’s Las Americas Airport.
The recent opening of Felipe Carrillo Puerto Airport in Tulum in December 2023 has further fueled demand for the Mexican Caribbean, contributing to an overall 6% increase in travel plans from the U.S. between November 2024 and February 2025. Despite a slight correction in demand for Cozumel, this new airport is expected to attract more American and international travelers, particularly in the mid-to-high segment market.
Shifts in Interest Towards Other Caribbean Destinations
However, not all Caribbean destinations are seeing the same level of interest. Jamaica experienced a significant decline, with a 17% drop in searches compared to the previous winter season. Specifically, Montego Bay saw a 23% reduction in inspirational demand, although Kingston Town showed a 12% increase. Similarly, the Bahamas recorded a 20% decrease in interest, particularly for Nassau, while there was a modest rise for Grand Bahamas.
Barbados has maintained stable demand, with a 1% increase in inspirational interest from U.S. travelers since winter 2023-2024.
Implications for the Travel Industry
These trends indicate a shifting landscape in Caribbean travel, where certain destinations are gaining prominence while others are losing appeal. As Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, and the Mexican Caribbean rise in popularity, travel agencies can expect increased bookings and should consider promoting these destinations more vigorously.
The overall impact on the travel industry could include:
- Targeted Marketing: Increased focus on Costa Rica and the Mexican Caribbean in promotional campaigns.
- Enhanced Travel Packages: Development of tailored travel packages that cater specifically to American travelers seeking these destinations.
- Shifts in Flight Availability: Airlines may respond to rising demand by increasing flight routes and capacities to the most popular Caribbean locales.
Overall, the data suggests that American travelers are increasingly looking toward Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, and the Mexican Caribbean for their winter escapes, potentially reshaping the travel landscape in the Caribbean region. (https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/costa-rica-puerto-rico-and-the-mexican-caribbean-emerge-as-top-destinations-driving-u-s-winter-travel-demand-to-the-caribbean-in-2024/)
