Caribbean tourism recorded 18.5 million arrivals in the first half of 2025, up nearly two per cent on last year and six per cent above pre-pandemic levels, according to new data presented at the CTO’s State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC) in Barbados.
Presenting the mid-year figures at the Hilton Barbados, CTO database administrator Paul Garnes told delegates the results “show strong resilience” despite softening demand from North America and wider geopolitical uncertainty.
“Despite shocks to the system, if we make data-driven decisions, we are well on our way,” he said, likening the industry’s trajectory to recovering from an injury during a 5K run, painful but still moving forward.
The numbers reveal a region that is holding steady even as global conditions remain unpredictable. International tourist arrivals worldwide reached about 690 million between January and June, a 5.1 per cent increase year-on-year and four per cent above 2019, according to UN Tourism. Africa led the growth at 12.4 per cent, while Asia-Pacific posted double-digit gains but remains shy of full recovery. Europe and the Americas grew moderately, while the Middle East declined 4.2 per cent due to conflict.
For the Caribbean, the story was one of modest but positive gains. First-quarter arrivals dipped 0.6 per cent, compared to 2024, with softer demand in February and March offsetting a strong January. But the second quarter rebounded 4.8 per cent, delivering 8.9 million visitors. April was particularly strong, up 8.4 per cent year-on-year, aided by Easter celebrations, an international cricket series with Ireland and England, and delayed Liberation Day events. May rose 2.2 per cent and June 3.7 per cent, together pushing arrivals nearly nine per cent above 2019.
“Quarter two was particularly strong, a clear sign that the region is on a growth trajectory,” Garnes said.
By source market, the United States remained the Caribbean’s anchor, providing just over nine million visitors in the first half of 2025. The volume was steady but essentially flat, compared to 2024. The Dominican Republic, Jamaica, The Bahamas and Aruba remained the top destinations for US travellers…
