Tourism in the Caribbean has a long and complex history, influenced by various factors such as colonialism, imperialism, revolution, development, and globalization. Here is a brief overview of some key historical periods and events:

The first hotel in the Caribbean was built on the island of Nevis in 1778, attracting wealthy visitors such as Samuel Taylor Coleridge and Lord Nelson.

In the 19th century, resort hotels were built on The Bahamas, Jamaica, and Barbados, catering to the European elite who sought the curative benefits of the sea and the sun. In the early 20th century, tourism was linked to the expansionist projects of the United States, such as the Panama Canal and the United Fruit Company, which increased the interest and investment in the region. In the 1910s and 1920s, some Caribbean countries, such as Cuba and Panama, embraced tourism as a strategy for national development and anti-imperialism, attracting visitors with their modern amenities and cultural attractions.

In the 1930s and 1940s, tourism was affected by the Great Depression and World War II, which reduced the demand and supply of travel. However, some destinations, such as Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic, benefited from the political and economic support of the United States. In the 1950s and 1960s, tourism boomed with the advent of commercial jet travel, which made the Caribbean more accessible and affordable to the mass market. Tourism became the dominant economic sector of the region, replacing the traditional export crops of sugar, bananas, and bauxite.

In the 1970s and 1980s, tourism faced some challenges and changes, such as the oil crisis, the Cuban Revolution, the rise of nationalism and independence movements, the emergence of new competitors, and the diversification of the tourist products and markets, and, In the 1990s and 2000s, tourism continued to grow and evolve, influenced by the trends of globalization, neoliberalism, environmentalism, and culturalism. Tourism also faced some threats and risks, such as the effects of climate change, natural disasters, pandemics, and terrorism.

This industry is one of the most vital sectors for the Caribbean region, contributing to its economic growth, employment, and social development. However, despite its growing importance, the region has faced challenges in maintaining its competitiveness and attractiveness in the global tourism market. According to the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), the region’s share of the world tourist arrivals declined from 3.3% in 1990 to 2.2% in 2015, mainly due to increased competition from other destinations, natural disasters, security issues, and changing consumer preferences.

However, since 2016, the Caribbean has shown signs of recovery and resilience, as it has managed to increase its tourist arrivals and revenues, surpassing the global average growth rates. In 2019, the region received 32 million international tourists, an increase of 4.4% compared to 2018, and generated $49 billion in tourism receipts, an increase of 4.6%2. The CTO attributed this performance to improved air connectivity, enhanced tourism infrastructure, and effective marketing strategies.

The Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 disrupted the tourism industry worldwide, and the Caribbean was no exception. The region suffered a 65.5% decline in tourist arrivals, reaching only 11 million, and a 60-80% decline in tourism revenues, estimated at $10-15 billion3. However, the region also demonstrated its adaptability and innovation, as it implemented health and safety protocols, launched travel bubbles and corridors, and offered remote work and long-stay programs to attract visitors.

In 2021, the Caribbean tourism sector rebounded strongly, as it recorded a 28% increase in tourist arrivals, reaching 14.6 million, and a 70-75% increase in tourism revenues, estimated at $36.5-37.5 billion. The main source market for the region was the U.S., accounting for 51.5% of the arrivals, followed by Europe (12.4%), Canada (9.4%), and the Caribbean itself (8.8%)4. Six Caribbean destinations (U.S. Virgin Islands, St. Martin, Dominican Republic, Turks and Caicos, Puerto Rico, and Curacao) surpassed their pre-pandemic levels of arrivals in 2021, thanks to their proximity to the U.S. and their air connectivity.

The region is expected to see a strong recovery in tourism in 2024, following a record-breaking performance in 2023. According to the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), the region welcomed 32.6 million visitors in 2023, surpassing the pre-pandemic level of 32 million in 2019. The CTO projects that this trend will continue in 2024, with an annual growth rate of 5.5%, as predicted by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC).

The main drivers of this growth are the increased demand for travel from the US and Europe, the improved air connectivity and capacity, the enhanced health and safety protocols, and the diversification of tourism products and experiences. The Caribbean is also benefiting from the rise of adventure tourism, as more travelers are looking for activities such as safaris, hiking, snorkeling and skiing.

Some of the most popular destinations in the Caribbean for 2024 are Mexico, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Puerto Rico and Cuba. These countries offer a variety of attractions, cultures and cuisines, as well as competitive prices and quality services. Other emerging destinations include Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, St. Lucia and Barbados, which have invested in infrastructure, marketing and sustainability initiatives.

The outlook for Caribbean tourism in 2024 is optimistic, as the region is expected to continue its recovery and growth after the Covid-19 pandemic. According to the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), the region will increase its tourist arrivals by 10-15%, reaching 31.2-32.6 million, and its tourism revenues by 15-20%, reaching $42-45 billion1. The region will also maintain its 2.2% share of the global tourism market, as it leverages its natural and cultural assets, diversifies its product offerings, and enhances its digital presence.

Some of the trends that will shape Caribbean tourism in 2024 are:

Increased travel prices, as travelers will spend more on trips than ever before.
Continued popularity of European destinations, especially France, Spain, and Germany. Flight delays as a major travel concern, as travelers will seek travel insurance to cover travel complications and losses. Adventure tourism as a rising demand, as travelers will look for activities such as safaris, hiking, snorkeling, and skiing.

The CTO also announced that the Sustainable Tourism Conference (STC) will take place in Grenada in 2024, as a forum for networking, information, and knowledge exchanges among tourism stakeholders.

However, the Caribbean tourism outlook for 2024 is not without challenges. The region still faces the uncertainty due to the impact of climate change and natural disasters, the competition from other regions, and the social and economic issues affecting some countries. The CTO urges the governments and stakeholders to work together to address these challenges and to seize the opportunities for further growth and development of the tourism sector.

In conclusion, the Caribbean tourism sector has shown remarkable resilience and recovery after years of decline and disruption. The region has proven its ability to overcome challenges and seize opportunities, as it strives to achieve sustainable and inclusive tourism development.