The Caribbean region has long been a dream destination for travelers worldwide. While the area boasts a significant influx of international tourists, there exists an untapped potential in intra-travel, i.e., travel between Caribbean countries by Caribbean residents.

Intra-travel refers to tourism that takes place within a specific region by residents of that region. In the Caribbean context, it involves Caribbean residents exploring the wonders of neighboring countries, islands, or territories. While international tourism has been the dominant source of revenue for the Caribbean hospitality industry, intra-travel remains underexplored, resulting in a lack of awareness and participation.

Lost Opportunities in Intra-Travel

Intra-travel provides a unique opportunity to strengthen regional ties among Caribbean countries. Encouraging residents to explore neighboring nations fosters cultural exchange, enhances cooperation, and creates a sense of belonging to the larger Caribbean community. Unfortunately, the lack of cross-border marketing and travel initiatives has resulted in this potential being largely overlooked.

Relying solely on international tourists can make the Caribbean economies vulnerable to global market fluctuations and crises. By promoting intra-travel, Caribbean nations can diversify their tourism revenue streams, making them less dependent on a single market and more resilient to external shocks.

Intra-travelers tend to explore off-the-beaten-path locations and engage with local businesses, contributing directly to the growth of local economies. From boutique hotels and restaurants to artisanal shops and tour operators, the economic benefits of intra-travel can have a significant positive impact on small communities and local entrepreneurs. The rise of intra-travel can generate new jobs across various sectors, including hospitality, transportation, and entertainment. Moreover, with more tourists exploring their region, Caribbean nations can leverage these opportunities to invest in training programs and enhance the skills of their workforce. Emphasizing intra-travel encourages residents to appreciate their own cultural heritage while experiencing the diversity of their neighbors. This increased awareness of local traditions and customs fosters a sense of pride and ownership, leading to better conservation efforts and the preservation of cultural assets.

International air travel is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. By promoting intra-travel, which often involves more sustainable means of transportation such as ferries or road trips, Caribbean countries can collectively work towards reducing their environmental impact.

Increased intra-travel can highlight gaps in infrastructure, prompting governments to invest in better road networks, public transportation, and facilities catering to regional tourists. Improved infrastructure not only enhances the travel experience but also benefits residents in their daily lives.

Potential Economic Impact of Embracing Intra-Travel

Encouraging intra-travel has the potential to boost GDP growth in Caribbean nations. A study by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) estimates that every $1 spent on travel and tourism generates approximately $3 in GDP.

To estimate the potential economic impact of intra-Caribbean tourism, another study showed a 10% increase in the number of intra-regional tourists in 2023 compared to 2019 levels. It revealed that the average spending per tourist is $1,000 USD, and that the multiplier effect is 1.5. Based on these assumptions, it calculate that a 10% increase in intra-Caribbean tourism could generate an additional $1.2 billion USD in direct revenue for the region, and an additional $1.8 billion USD in indirect revenue through spillover effects on other sectors of the economy. This would represent a total increase of $3 billion USD in GDP for the Caribbean in 2023, or about 1.2% of its pre-pandemic level in 2019.

The tourism sector is a significant employer in the Caribbean, supporting millions of jobs. Increased intra-travel would create a surge in demand for labor in various industries, leading to a rise in employment opportunities.

While international tourism brings in foreign currency, intra-travel can also contribute to foreign exchange earnings. As regional tourists spend money on accommodations, food, activities, and souvenirs, foreign currency is generated within the Caribbean economy.

Local businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), stand to gain significantly from intra-travel. These businesses, often owned by Caribbean residents, can experience a surge in revenue, leading to expansion and increased competitiveness.

Intra-travel can also help reduce the seasonality of tourism in the Caribbean. While international tourism often peaks during specific times of the year, intra-travel has the potential to spread out the flow of tourists more evenly throughout the year, providing a steadier income for businesses.

A flourishing intra-travel market can attract both domestic and foreign investments in the tourism sector. Investors may see the potential for growth and development in a region where local tourists are actively exploring their own backyard.

Challenges and Strategies to Promote Intra-Travel in the Caribbean

While the potential economic impact of intra-travel in the Caribbean is promising, there are several challenges that need to be addressed to effectively promote and capitalize on this form of tourism. Let’s explore some of these challenges and the strategies that can be adopted to overcome them:

Many Caribbean residents are unaware of the attractions and experiences available in neighboring countries. This lack of awareness hampers their interest in intra-travel and results in missed opportunities to explore and support the region’s diverse offerings.

Caribbean nations often focus their tourism marketing efforts on attracting international visitors, leading to fragmented marketing strategies that fail to promote intra-regional travel effectively. Some Caribbean countries require visas or face border restrictions for their own residents, hindering seamless travel between nations. Streamlining visa processes and implementing passport-free travel initiatives could encourage more intra-regional travel. The absence of direct flights or efficient ferry services between certain Caribbean destinations can deter potential intra-travelers. Improved air and sea connectivity is essential to facilitate smooth travel within the region.

Safety concerns can arise from misconceptions and stereotypes about certain Caribbean destinations. Addressing these perceptions through public relations campaigns and emphasizing the region’s overall safety can help alleviate concerns.

Some intra-regional flights or accommodation options may be priced higher than international alternatives. Ensuring competitive and affordable pricing is crucial to attract more intra-travelers.

Caribbean nations should collaborate on joint marketing initiatives that promote intra-travel within the region. Combining resources and showcasing the diversity of experiences available can increase awareness and interest in intra-regional tourism. Governments, tourism boards, and private sector stakeholders can launch targeted awareness campaigns to educate residents about the attractions and benefits of exploring their neighboring countries.

Governments should work towards easing visa requirements for Caribbean residents, allowing hassle-free travel within the region. Additionally, exploring the possibility of passport-free travel for citizens of certain member countries could further enhance intra-travel. Investing in improving air and sea connectivity between Caribbean destinations can reduce travel time and costs, making intra-travel more appealing.

Governments and tourism authorities should collaborate to implement safety measures and promote the overall security of Caribbean destinations. This can be achieved through increased police presence, surveillance systems, and crime prevention strategies.

Governments should also introduce incentives such as tax breaks or subsidies for businesses that cater to intra-travelers, encouraging them to develop attractive packages and promotions.

Encouraging sustainable practices in the tourism industry can appeal to eco-conscious travelers, including those engaging in intra-travel. Highlighting sustainable initiatives can attract environmentally-aware tourists and enhance the region’s reputation as a responsible destination.