The Caribbean is among the most popular destinations for American travelers who intend to take an international destination in the next 12 months—that’s according to MMGY Global's Portrait of American Travelers 2019-2020 study.
Overall, the results gave reason for cautious optimism regarding travel, despite ominous economic signs on the horizon. Thirty-eight percent of American travelers took an international vacation during the past 12 months, and 48 percent intend to take one during the next 12 months. Of all international destinations, the Caribbean trailed only Europe among places that American travelers most want to visit in the next two years.
Forty-five percent of respondents from 2019 showed interest in the Caribbean (55 percent showed interest in Europe); however, this is up from 41 percent in 2019. That four percent is statistically significant, according to MMGY.
The Bahamas leads the way among Caribbean destinations in 2019 for specific countries that Americans are interested in visiting during the next two years, with 27 percent responding positively. The U.S. Virgin Islands was next at 25 percent indicating interest. Overall, the destinations placed fifth and ninth, respectively, among all international destinations.
As for the following 10 Caribbean destinations generating the most interest among American travelers, they are as follows: St. Maarten/St. Martin (21 percent), Jamaica (20 percent), Cayman Islands (20 percent), Aruba (20 percent), Puerto Rico (18 percent), Bermuda (18 percent), Barbados (17 percent), Antigua (15 percent), the Dominican Republic (15 percent) and Cuba (13 percent).
Interest in the region is fairly steady across the board by generation. Gen Xers show the most interest with 48 percent listing it as a destination they would like to in visit in the next two years; Millennials followed at 46 percent and Boomers trailed at 42 percent.
The Caribbean dominated the cruise category, with 84 percent—the highest of all regions—saying they are interested in visiting the destination while cruising. Perhaps due to cost or length of trip required, Millennials led the way in this department: 92 percent showed interest; Gen Xers followed at 85 percent and Boomers again trailed at 77 percent.
Visit www.mmgyglobal.com.
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