A significant transformation in Canadian travel behavior is creating substantial economic headwinds for Caribbean destinations, according to industry analysis. Recent data reveals a pronounced decline in Canadian visitors across multiple Caribbean nations throughout 2025, with decreases ranging from moderate to severe depending on the location.
Industry publication Travel and Tour World documented substantial reductions in Canadian arrivals, with Dominica experiencing the most dramatic downturn at 36.5% fewer visitors during the first half of 2025 compared to the same period last year. Other affected destinations include Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Costa Rica, Jamaica, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic, all reporting declines between 1.5% and 18%. The trend extends to St. Vincent, Grenada, Saint Lucia, Bonaire, and Anguilla, confirming a regional pattern rather than isolated incidents.
Multiple factors contribute to this tourism redistribution. Canadian travelers are demonstrating altered preferences, increasingly selecting destinations beyond traditional American and Caribbean options. Economic considerations including domestic inflation pressures and cost-saving measures have made expensive vacation packages less appealing. Additionally, political developments in the United States following the 2025 presidential inauguration have further influenced Canadian travel decisions regarding neighboring destinations.
The timing presents particular challenges for Caribbean economies that traditionally rely on Canadian visitors seeking warm-weather retreats during winter months. Despite successful recovery efforts after Hurricane Melissa in October 2025—Jamaica notably welcomed 300,000 visitors post-hurricane—residual caution appears to persist among some travelers.
This tourism redistribution carries significant implications for Caribbean hospitality sectors and regional economies. Industry observers are monitoring whether decreased demand from Canadian travelers might result in more competitive pricing for other visitor demographics or alternatively trigger economic challenges for tourism-dependent communities. The long-term adaptation strategies that Caribbean destinations employ to attract Canadian visitors back to the region remain under careful observation.