Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, and the Mexican Caribbean Emerge as Top Destinations Driving U.S. Winter Travel Demand to the Caribbean in 2024

Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, and the Mexican Caribbean Emerge as Top Destinations Driving U.S. Winter Travel Demand to the Caribbean in 2024

As Americans gear up for winter vacations in 2024-2025, there is a noticeable spike in interest towards Caribbean spots, particularly Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, and the Mexican Caribbean. Mabrian travel intelligence supports this trend, emphasizing the Caribbean’s growing popularity as a winter getaway for U.S. travelers.

Key Insights from Mabrian Travel Intelligence

Mabrian’s analysis indicates that Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, and the Mexican Caribbean are set to see substantial gains from this burgeoning travel enthusiasm. The findings are based on the Share of Searches Index from Mabrian, which monitors flight inquiries to gauge market trends. This index focuses on search activities from the 20 busiest U.S. airports, capturing 85% of international connectivity. It analyzed flight searches for travel planned between November 2024 and February 2025.

The U.S. has long played a pivotal role in Caribbean tourism, especially in winter. The Caribbean Tourism Organization recorded approximately 16.3 million stay-over arrivals from the U.S. in 2023, a remarkable 12.7% increase from the previous year. In total, the Caribbean saw around 32.2 million international visitors in 2023, showcasing its allure.

Costa Rica’s Rising Popularity

Among the destinations, Costa Rica displayed the most impressive rise in demand from American travelers, surging by 33% year-on-year. The Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport in northwest Costa Rica experienced a 54% increase in inquiries, serving as a key entry point to beloved coastal areas like Tambor, Tamarindo, and the Papagayo Gulf.

Costa Rica’s broad appeal across multiple U.S. airports solidifies its position as a prime choice for winter travel, suggesting agencies should anticipate a vibrant booking season for this location.

Puerto Rico and the Mexican Caribbean

Puerto Rico is also on an upward trajectory, with a 9% rise in inquiries compared to 2023. Similarly, the Mexican Caribbean is enjoying an average 6% growth, particularly at major airports like Cancun, Cozumel, and Tulum. The Dominican Republic, meanwhile, has seen a 4% increase, mainly due to rising interest in Santo Domingo’s Las Americas Airport.

The opening of Felipe Carrillo Puerto Airport in Tulum in December 2023 has further stimulated demand for the Mexican Caribbean, contributing to a 6% boost in U.S. travel plans for the upcoming winter season. Although Cozumel has seen a slight decline, this new airport is expected to attract more travelers from the U.S. and internationally, particularly within the mid-to-high market segment.

Shifts in Interest Towards Other Caribbean Destinations

Conversely, not all Caribbean spots are faring well; Jamaica faced a 17% drop in searches compared to last winter, with Montego Bay down by 23%. While Kingston saw a modest 12% increase, the Bahamas similarly recorded a 20% decrease in interest, particularly in Nassau, though Grand Bahamas experienced a slight upturn.

Barbados has witnessed steady demand, with a marginal 1% increase in interest from U.S. travelers since winter 2023-2024.

Implications for the Travel Industry

This evolving landscape of Caribbean travel signals the rise of certain destinations at the expense of others. With Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, and the Mexican Caribbean on the rise, travel agencies can anticipate increased bookings and should consider emphasizing these locations in their promotions.

Potential impacts on the travel industry may include:

• Targeted Marketing: Focus on promoting Costa Rica and the Mexican Caribbean.
• Enhanced Travel Packages: Creating tailored packages for American travelers.
• Shifts in Flight Availability: Airlines may increase routes to these popular destinations.

The data clearly indicates that American travelers are increasingly drawn to Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, and the Mexican Caribbean for winter escapes, possibly reshaping the Caribbean travel landscape.