Which Caribbean Destinations Are Experiencing the Greatest Tourism Growth?

New data reveals the island destinations welcoming the most international arrivals in the first half of 2023 compared to 2019.

Rounding out the top 10, Aruba is tied for eighth, with international arrivals jumping 10 percent over the first half of this year compared to 2019. The island has even responded to the growth by launching its own travel planning and itinerary app in myAruba.

One of two U.S. territories to feature in the top 10, Puerto Rico is another island reporting an encouraging 10 percent rise in international visitor arrivals this spring. Puerto Rico was one of six Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) nations to surpass its pre-pandemic visitor arrivals numbers in 2022.

Martinique, which is situated between Dominica and Saint Lucia in the Lesser Antilles is also tied for eighth in terms of growth this year, matching Puerto Rico and Aruba with a 10 percent increase in international arrivals. For those unfamiliar, Martinique is a nature lover's paradise boasting amazing landscapes and incredible biodiversity, among other exceptional traits.

Like Aruba, Curacao is a part of the ABC Islands and a year-round draw for travelers as it sits just north of the South American coast and is therefore far less likely to be impacted by the Atlantic hurricane season.

The Caribbean's most-visited country has experienced an impressive 12 percent increase in international arrivals during the first half of 2023 compared to 2019. It turns out that the destination's award-winning all-inclusive resorts, world-class beaches and golf courses continue to be a major draw.

Jamaica is tied for fourth, experiencing visitor growth of 13 percent. This island's surge in visitors has been aided by the work of travel advisors, with Jamaica's tourism minister Edmund Bartlett predicting the country would host 950,000 land-based, overnight visitors and 524,000 cruise passengers in the first quarter of 2023.

Guadeloupe is tied with Jamaica as the fourth-greatest growing Caribbean destination this year. The French archipelago comprising more than a dozen islands has also seen a 13 percent increase in international arrivals as travelers flock to explore its nature, history, culture and mouthwatering cuisine.

The Dutch Caribbean destination of Saint Maarten is enjoying more growth than most, reporting a 14 percent increase in international arrivals in 2023 compared to 2019. From the colorful and bustling capital of Philipsburg to its magnificent beaches, visitors have access to no shortage of fun in the sun.

The islands of Turks and Caicos is another ideal Caribbean destination boasting spectacular beaches, endless activities and fascinating culture that continue to be a hit with travelers. After all, the British overseas territory has seen a 19 percent jump in international arrivals this year.

The US Virgin Islands is once more the top-performing destination welcoming 23 percent more international arrivals than in the same period in 2019. Americans will be pleased to know they can visit this booming locale without requiring a passport.