Meagan Drillinger
Global travel interest to the Caribbean is rising, according to Expedia's first Island Hot List, which shows that global searches for Getaways on the island's search year increased by 30% year-on-year. For travel consultants, the report provides timely information on where demand is growing and how to guide bookings on key seasonal and experience trends.
Three Caribbean destinations entered the top ten in the overall search: Aruba, Dominican Republic and Jamaica. Expedia said the double-digit average number of searches increased those three figures, for the year ended May 18: 15% in Aruba and Jamaica and 10% in the Dominican Republic. Expedia: Aruba is a year-round sunshine, Dominican Republic adventure and the deep sunshine of Jamaican culture, mentions unique selling points for destinations on each island.
The charm of Aruba
Aruba continues to stand out in its arid climate and ongoing sunshine, attracting travelers in hopes of avoiding uncertainty in the Caribbean rainy season. September remains the best time for low crowds and favorable interest rates.
This year, Eagle Beach won three vertices at TripAdvisor’s 2025 Traveler Choice Awards: First Beach in the Caribbean, three vertices at TripAdvisor’s 25th Anniversary Awards and the World’s Best Beach 3. Eagle Beach is one of the widest beaches in Aruba, extending for two miles. It is famous for its white sand, calm water, beautiful sunsets and a range of activities (swimming, snorkeling, skiing).
Natural Choice of Doctors
In the Dominican Republic, the story has gone beyond Punta Cana, and the stronger, experienced Samana Peninsula has provided a reason for itself this year.
Since the founding of Santa Barbara de Samana, the area will celebrate 270 years, a small town settled by Spanish families that came from the Canary Islands. Samana’s history, a mixture of biodiversity and conservation is the attraction of adventure-seeking travelers: More than 60% of the peninsula is covered with forests, and Samana Bay serves as a humpback whale shelter. Los Heitises National Park is also located there. It is home to Taino Cave Art and the lush mangrove forests.
New accommodation in the area includes Ocama, a boutique villa overlooking Lincoln Bay, offering private villas with kitchen and swimming pool. This is an attractive option for high-end travelers seeking privacy from a resort cluster.
Flight connections are also improving. American Airlines will have a daily seasonal route from Philadelphia to Santo Domingo on December 18.
Bolt lift
Jamaica positioned itself as a destination that provides culture, not just coastlines – an approach that seems to have caught the attention. Expedia reported travel interest increased 15% year-on-year, with December being marked as the previous month of visits.
There is no doubt that the latest campaign for the Jamaica Tourism Board is the island’s new global tourism ambassador, Usain Bolt, and that’s no doubt. During the promotion, the Eighth Olympics Metal Army Sprinter reflects on how his growth in Jamaica has shaped every step of his journey. He highlights Jamaica's energy, rhythm and resilience, inviting travelers to experience the island through its people and culture. The event was launched in July and will continue to the digital and international markets.
“The buildings without experience are crucial,” said Jamaica's Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett. “It's about more attractions, providing visitors with more immersive events and more events. We are an event-driven destination that hosts music festivals, food festivals, coffee festivals, rum festivals and film festivals.”
Jamaica hopes to be known for its all-inclusive Luce dog. For consultants, this is open to opportunities to promote travel, including cooking tours, music festivals and mountain retreats.
Other destinations are also growing in Aruba, the Dominican Republic and Jamaica leading Expedia. St. Thomas increased interest by 30% on the spot, while Turks and Caicos increased by 10%.