Summary: Caribbean tourism decline helped drive a wider drop in U.S. arrivals, with Nevada recording a more than seven percent fall last year. Major Caribbean markets including Jamaica, the Bahamas, Barbados, Dominica, Haiti and Trinidad and Tobago reported lower visitor numbers, influenced by cost, competition and shifting travel habits.

Last year saw a marked Caribbean tourism decline that coincided with a downturn in U.S. inbound travel, notably in Nevada where arrivals fell by more than seven percent. Several Caribbean nations—long popular with North American visitors—reported reductions in tourist numbers as travellers shifted preferences amid economic and market pressures.

Nevada and the Broader U.S. Impact

The combined effect of reduced visitor flows to several Caribbean destinations contributed to a noticeable fall in U.S. tourism figures, with Nevada singled out as having experienced a more than seven percent decline in arrivals during the period under review. Analysts link the drop to a mix of higher travel costs, greater competition from alternative destinations and evolving traveller priorities.

Country-by-country figures

  • Jamaica: 21.2% decline in Canadian arrivals, from 1,461 to 1,151 visitors.
  • The Bahamas: 4.6% decrease in Canadian arrivals, from 2,456 to 2,344 visitors.
  • Barbados: 7.1% drop in Canadian visitors, falling from 589 to 547.
  • Dominica: 3.6% decline in Canadian tourism, from 55 to 53 visitors.
  • Haiti: 21% fall in Canadian tourist arrivals, from 62 to 49.
  • Trinidad and Tobago: 4.9% decline in Canadian visitors, from 1,680 to 1,598.

Many of these figures reflect declines in Canadian arrivals specifically, underscoring how changes in one source market can have outsized effects on smaller destinations. The losses ranged from modest dips in places like Dominica to steep falls for Jamaica and Haiti.

Why arrivals fell

  • Rising travel costs, including higher airfares and tighter household budgets.
  • Increased competition from destinations offering similar experiences at lower prices.
  • Shifts in traveller preferences toward closer or more affordable options.
  • Concerns over safety, political stability and health in select markets.
  • Limited flight connectivity for smaller islands, constraining accessibility.

Smaller islands, in particular, struggle when direct connections are limited and price-sensitive travellers choose alternatives. The global economic backdrop, with inflation and higher costs, also discouraged some longer-haul trips.

Tourists on a Caribbean beach with resort infrastructure reflecting tourism trends and Caribbean tourism decline
Lower visitor numbers in several Caribbean markets coincided with a broader drop in arrivals to U.S. destinations such as Nevada.

Implications for the travel industry

The downturn pressures both Caribbean destinations and U.S. markets that rely on steady visitor flows. Tourism authorities and industry players may need to rethink marketing, create targeted promotions and consider improved connectivity to regain market share.

  • Reassess pricing and promotional packages to attract cost-conscious travellers.
  • Promote unique cultural and natural assets to differentiate from competitors.
  • Explore partnerships to restore or increase direct flight options.

What this means for travellers

For travellers, the current environment could bring more targeted deals and promotional packages as destinations work to recover lost visitors. At the same time, shifting flight schedules and varying safety perceptions mean travellers should check connectivity, compare costs and review travel advisories before booking.

So what? The Caribbean tourism decline has tangible implications: it underlines how sensitive tourism flows are to price, accessibility and perception. For destination managers and U.S. states like Nevada, adapting marketing and improving value propositions will be essential to reversing declines. For travellers, the shift may mean more bargains but also a need for careful planning.