Tourist Statistics Prove Positive for Caribbean Luxury Hotels

Recent years have been difficult for tourism in many, if not all, parts of the world, and Caribbean luxury hotels have not been immune from that. Many of the historical causes are well known: global financial crises and economic woes in the USA and Europe have made it tough for the tourist industry since 2008. The UK government putting into place what some called a ludicrously high departure tax on long-haul flights didn't help things.

Yet it seems things are changing.

First half of 2014

The first half of 2014 has shown a significant increase in visitor numbers to the region staying in Caribbean luxury hotels. That’s fantastic news for the tourism industry, even though some official spokespeople are saying that more needs to be done to increase visitor numbers. However, the fact that visitors are returning in large numbers is cause for celebration.

Drivers for change

So what’s behind the tourism growth? Nobody would dispute that while economic growth in the Eurozone has been sluggish at best, in the UK and USA economic conditions have improved considerably over the past 12-18 months. Suddenly, with at least a little consumer confidence returning, the attractions of the Caribbean as a holiday destination are coming to the fore again.

Why is this so? Beautiful beaches, a very diverse set of cultures, more or less year-round good weather, friendly people, stunning cuisine and on top of that, some world-beating Caribbean luxury hotels make for a pretty powerful list of incentives! However, it’s probably also fair to say that the area is also now offering exceptionally good value for money, as both the UK pound and the US Dollar have strengthened over recent times.

It also has to be acknowledged that if there are any crumbs of comfort to be found from the economic catastrophes of 2008-12, it’s that they have focused the attention of holiday regions and individual providers on the need to be cost-competitive, even at the luxury end of the marketplace. As a result, holidays to this lovely region are now looking to be very good value for money compared to say two, three and four years ago.

Late 2014 and 2015

There seems little doubt that the beautiful attractions of this part of the world will continue to tempt discerning holidaymakers in the months ahead. The winter months in Europe and the USA are classic periods, and many of the islands and resorts will be dressing themselves to welcome people accordingly. At the time of writing, the economic forecasts for the USA and UK look relatively optimistic and that’s likely to increase visitor confidence and bookings yet further.

So if you’re looking for the very best Caribbean luxury hotels for the months ahead, booking sooner rather than later might be a sensible idea.

Helen C. Edwards works for the Essential Hotel Collection. For a stay in Caribbean luxury hotels our selection can't be beaten. We have a handpicked portfolio of privately owned hotels offering superb accommodation. We have an intimate knowledge of every property and can provide the perfect accommodation to make your island dreams a reality.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.