Arenal Volcano is located in La Fortuna, Costa Rica. Travel Pulse
According to a recent analysis by Mabrian, a global travel intelligence platform, the Caribbean is becoming a popular destination for American travellers looking to escape this winter. The data reveals that many Americans are searching for flights to various Caribbean locations for trips planned between November 2024 and February 2025.
Mabrian's Share of Searches Index closely examined flight searches originating from the top 20 airports in the United States, covering 85 percent of international air travel from the country. This analysis highlights that destinations such as the Mexican Caribbean, Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, Barbados, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and the Bahamas are drawing significant interest from travellers.
Historically, the U.S. has been a major source of tourists for the Caribbean, especially during the winter months. The Caribbean Tourism Association (CTO) reported that, in 2023, around 16.3 million Americans visited the region, marking a 12.7 percent increase from the previous year. This growth contributed to a larger figure of approximately 32.2 million international visitors to the Caribbean.
Among the Caribbean nations, Costa Rica stands out with remarkable growth, boasting a 33 percent increase in visitor interest year over year. Demand for flights to Costa Rica’s Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport, which serves the popular northern regions like Tambor and Tamarindo, surged by 54 percent. This significant rise indicates that Costa Rica is at the forefront of American travellers' minds as they plan their winter getaways.
Carlos Cendra, Partner and Director of Marketing and Communications at Mabrian, stated, “Costa Rica’s inspirational demand increase is very uniform throughout all the American airports analyzed, demonstrating that this is a top-of-mind destination for American travellers during the winter season.” This optimism suggests a positive trend in bookings and arrivals for the country.
Other Caribbean destinations are also experiencing an uptick in interest. Puerto Rico has seen a 9 percent increase in search demand compared to last year. Meanwhile, the Mexican Caribbean is witnessing an average growth of 6 percent across major airports like Cancun, Cozumel, and Tulum. The Dominican Republic is following suit with a 4 percent increase in demand, primarily due to activity at Santo Domingo's Las Americas Airport.
A significant driver for travel to the Mexican Caribbean is Tulum Airport, which is set to remain a key hub this winter. Additionally, the opening of Felipe Carrillo Puerto Airport on December 1, 2023, is expected to further boost American travellers' interest in the region, contributing to a 6 percent increase in travel plans. Interestingly, while the demand for flights to Cozumel has slightly decreased by 9 percent year over year, the overall interest in Quintana Roo is still on the rise.
The Yucatan Peninsula, particularly Cancun, also shows promise, with a 4 percent increase in demand compared to the previous winter. A representative from Mabrian noted that “Tulum Airport will be a significant attraction pole and connectivity hub for the Mexican Caribbean, contributing significantly to attract more American and international mid-high segment travellers in the coming years.”
On the other hand, not all Caribbean destinations are faring well. Searches for Jamaica have dropped by 17 percent compared to last winter, with Montego Bay seeing a 23 percent decline in demand. However, Kingston Town is experiencing a 12 percent increase. The Bahamas also faced a downturn, with a 20 percent decrease in searches, although there was a 6 percent rise in interest for the more laid-back Grand Bahama.
Overall, the Caribbean's appeal for winter travel remains strong, with some destinations thriving while others struggle to capture American travellers' attention.
