"The Caribbean example doesn't just show a great example of a region recovering, it's about a region that is growing - despite all the macroeconomic factors taking place now such as the slowdown in the global economy, rising petrol costs and the effects of the war in Ukraine," says Olivier Ponti, VP of Insights at ForwardKeys.
In the fourth quarter tourism figures accelerated further, well in many countries. Leading foreign arrivals is the Dominican Republic, up 40% on 2019, followed by the US Virgin Islands (+33%), Bonaire (+30%) and Martinique (+26%).
"Air connectivity seems to be the key to achieving growth," adds Ponti. "Looking at our Seat Capacity Data, destinations such as the Dominican Republic and Guadeloupe are performing better thanks to the increase in direct flights since 2019."
Curaçao and Bonaire have fared particularly well this year, experiencing a broader hunger for each respective destination thanks to an increase in affluent premium class travellers, varied source markets (North America, Europe and Latin America) and travel purposes.
"Premium cabin travel to the Caribbean in the third quarter was up 27% from the pre-pandemic period. Curaçao and Bonaire saw triple-digit increases versus 2019 levels: +120% and +110%... this is huge and especially good news not only for airlines and hotels but for the goods and services sector."
"This is an exact result of our Tourism Recovery Plan and our strategy to target and reach the affluent traveller seeking an eco-conscious holiday experience. Tourism plays an important role in our economic recovery and these results and findings from the data are our guiding force as we plan," says Miles Mercera, CEO of the Bonaire Tourism Corporation.
Another sign that times are changing is that affluent travellers are flying from North America and, more recently, South America.
In the fourth quarter, the Caribbean is very popular with Colombians. There is a 54% change in the number of arrivals versus the same time in 2019. Meanwhile, Curaçao can see a +304% change from Argentina.
Digging a little deeper reveals that Curaçao is also a growing honeymoon destination: air ticketing data from ForwardKeys reveals that the number of two flyers is up 42% in the fourth quarter of this year versus 2019 levels.
Finally, some Caribbean destinations are even managing to attract the non-leisure market. Across the region, business travel is returning and in growth mode. St Lucia is up 22% in business travellers in the fourth quarter of this year versus 2019 levels, an achievement as the destination has made efforts to interest more corporate events.
