Travel Agent recently discussed hot holiday destinations with some of the leading Caribbean tour operators and learned that the Dominican Republic is leading the pack, but Jamaica isn't too far behind.
During our recent coverage of the American Express Travel U.S. Representative Network Conference, we interviewed several tour operators and learned that the all-inclusives in the Dominican Republic is the main reason families are booking for the holiday season.
"Punta Cana remains so hot," says Greg Bernd, co-president of Classic Vacations, "because there are just so many excellent all-inclusives there."
Bernd also added that Turks & Caicos has also picked up steam recently, mostly with affluent families.
"There is such an impressive luxury presence in Turks & Caicos," Bern says, "and people are really taking advantage of it. We've been getting a lot of calls for Turks."
Darya Camacci, vice president of sales for Funjet Vacations, however, says Jamaica remains her company's best sell.
"It's really nothing new," she says. "Every year, Jamaica does very well for the holidays and this season seems to be going along the same way."
Meanwhile, MLT Vacations says the Dominican Republic is not only hot for the holidays, but has been hot all year long.
"The Dominican Republic is our hottest Caribbean destination right now," Ken Pomerantz, president and chief marketing officer of MLT Vacations, told us earlier this month. "Everyone wants to go to Punta Cana."