How Caribbean Tourism Fared in the First Quarter

By: - June 9th, 2017

The Caribbean saw a slight increase in tourist arrivals in the first quarter, helped significantly by continued strong growth from Cuba, according to the latest numbers from the Caribbean Tourism Organization.

The region reported 8.7 million international tourist arrivals in the first quarter, a 1.8 percent increase over 2016, although that was led by strong numbers from Cuba and the Dominican Republic, the region’s two largest tourism destinations by volume, according to new CTO Chairman Dionisio D’Aguilar, the Bahamas’ Minister of Tourism.

The region did show improvement out of Canada, with a 4.8 percent increase in arrivals, after a sluggish 2016 from the country.

Cruise passenger arrivals showed a 4.5 percent increase, with about 10 million arrivals overall.

— CJ Staff

News

CTO Honors Apple Leisure Group’s Alex Zozaya

Apple Leisure Group’s Alex Zozaya was honored this week with a “Jerry Award” during the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s Caribbean Week Tourism Industry Awards luncheon this week in New York. The award is “presented annually to an industry leader who has demonstrated a passion for the development of the region and has dedicated time, energy, financial, […]

News

Grenada, Airbnb Sign Memorandum of Understanding

Grenada

Grenada has signed a memorandum of understanding to formalize a partnership with global home-sharing company, Airbnb.   Grenada’s Minister of Tourism, Clarice Modeste-Curwen, signed on behalf of the government in a conference held during the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s annual Caribbean Week in New York.   The signing of the MOU is part of ongoing efforts […]

News

Grenada to Begin Search for Oil

Grenada

Grenada has announced its intent to begin searching for oil in its waters. Grenada Prime Minister and Minister of Energy Dr. Keith Mitchell announced the endeavor in a national address last week following tributes from IMF, World Bank, CDB and other international bodies who have singled out Grenada’s economic recovery efforts. He said that the […]


Carnival Releases New Beer

Carnival Cruise Line has created a special tropical-flavored beer served exclusively at Carnival Vista’s RedFrog Pub & Brewery. The new Miami Guava Wheat beer was unveiled at a recent shipboard ceremony, during which Carnival Vista’s expert brewmaster Colin Presby tapped the first cask of the refreshing new brew. Guests on board were the first to […]

Nonstop New York-Tortola Flights Could Soon Be a Reality

Having to find a connecting flight to get to the British Virgin Islands could soon be a thing of the past. Tortola-based BVI Airways has received approval from the U.S. Department of Transportation to operate nonstop flights from New York to the BVI. BVI Airways, which is also planning to launch Miami-Tortola flights, said it […]

CHTA Chooses New President

Carnival Cruise Line has created a special tropical-flavored beer served exclusively at Carnival Vista’s RedFrog Pub & Brewery. The new Miami Guava Wheat beer was unveiled at a recent shipboard ceremony, during which Carnival Vista’s expert brewmaster Colin Presby tapped the first cask of the refreshing new brew. Guests on board were the first to […]

7 Affordable All Inclusive Getaways in the Caribbean

Affordable all inclusive getaways aren’t just a dream. Here’s how to do it. By Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon CJ Travel Editor It’s impossible to really relax on vacation if, in the back of your mind, you’re constantly worrying about how you’re going to pay for it. All inclusive resorts, of course (which bundle your room, food, drinks […]