North American Tourists Fueling Caribbean, Central American Boom

Posted onAuthorChris Owen

  • Regional Travel Boom: Guatemala, along with Mexico, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, and the Bahamas, is experiencing a significant increase in tourism arrivals.
  • Key Drivers of Growth: The surge is primarily fueled by a substantial increase in tourists from the United States and Canada, facilitated by new flight routes and improved accessibility.
  • Economic Impact: The influx of North American visitors is leading to substantial economic benefits, including increased visitor spending, higher tourism revenue, and growth in tourism-related employment across these nations.
  • New Flight Routes: Numerous new direct flight services from major US and Canadian cities to these destinations are being introduced, enhancing travel options and further boosting visitor numbers.

Guatemala, along with several other Caribbean and Central American nations including Mexico, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, and the Bahamas, is experiencing a significant tourism boom. This surge is largely attributed to an increase in arrivals from United States and Canadian tourists, driven by new flight routes and enhanced accessibility to these destinations. This influx is positively impacting local tourism sectors and economies.

US tourists are highlighted as crucial contributors to the global tourism industry. Their extensive spending on accommodations, dining, and activities drives economic growth across various countries, leading to expanded flight routes and improved infrastructure. Similarly, Canadian tourists, despite their smaller population, contribute significantly through longer trips and an interest in eco-tourism and cultural exploration, particularly in the Caribbean, Mexico, and the US.

In Guatemala, specifically, new flight routes from carriers like JetBlue and Air Canada are enhancing accessibility. This is projected to result in a 72% increase in international visitor spending, rising from GTQ 11.7 billion (USD 1.5 billion) in 2019 to an estimated GTQ 20.1 billion (USD 2.6 billion) by 2035. Tourism revenue is expected to reach GTQ 47.2 billion (USD 6.1 billion) by 2024, with tourism-related jobs increasing substantially.

Similar trends are noted in other destinations. Mexico recorded a record 25 million US tourists in 2024, with continued growth into 2025. Barbados welcomed 131,508 US visitors in August 2025, accounting for 33.3% of its total arrivals, alongside Canadian visitors. The Bahamas saw 1,058,104 US arrivals in August 2025, comprising 85.1% of its total. Jamaica recorded 1,043,614 US arrivals by June 2025. Trinidad and Tobago also experienced a significant increase in US arrivals in 2024 and Q1 2025. These countries are benefiting from diverse attractions, affordable travel, and increased flight connections, all contributing to their sustained tourism growth and economic prosperity.