Global interest in Caribbean travel is surging, according to Expedia’s first Island Hot List, which shows searches for island getaways worldwide have risen by 30% year over year. For travel advisors, the report offers insights into growing demand and how to guide bookings around seasonal and experiential trends.
Top Caribbean Islands in Search Rankings
Three Caribbean destinations made the top 10 for overall searches: Aruba, the Dominican Republic, and Jamaica. Search interest grew by double digits over the year ending May 18—15% for Aruba and Jamaica, and 10% for the Dominican Republic. Each destination stands out for unique reasons:
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Aruba: year-round sunshine and dry climate
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Dominican Republic: adventure and natural diversity
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Jamaica: rich cultural experiences
Aruba: Sun, Sand, and Serenity
Aruba continues to attract travelers seeking consistent sunshine and a dry climate, avoiding the Caribbean rainy season. September is ideal for low crowds and favorable rates.
Aruba also received international recognition this year when Eagle Beach earned top spots in TripAdvisor’s 2025 Travelers’ Choice Awards:
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No. 1 Beach in the Caribbean
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No. 2 Beach in TripAdvisor’s 25th Anniversary Awards
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No. 3 Best Beach in the World
Eagle Beach spans two miles of white sand, calm waters, stunning sunsets, and offers activities like swimming, snorkeling, and Jet Skiing.
Dominican Republic: Adventure Beyond Punta Cana
The Samana Peninsula is emerging as an adventure-focused destination beyond the traditional Punta Cana resorts. Celebrating 270 years since Santa Barbara de Samana’s founding, the region blends history, biodiversity, and conservation:
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Over 60% forest coverage
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Samana Bay, a humpback whale sanctuary
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Los Haitises National Park, home to Taino cave art and dense mangroves
New accommodations, such as Ocama Boutique Villa Hotel, offer private villas with kitchens and pools, appealing to travelers seeking privacy and exclusivity. Flight connectivity is improving with American Airlines’ new seasonal daily route from Philadelphia to Santo Domingo, starting Dec. 18.
Jamaica: Culture and Experiences
Jamaica is positioning itself as a cultural hub, not just a beach destination, with a 15% increase in travel interest and December flagged as the peak month for visits.
The Jamaica Tourist Board, featuring Olympic gold-medalist Usain Bolt as its global ambassador, highlights the island’s energy, rhythm, and resilience. Bolt’s campaign invites travelers to experience Jamaica through its people, culture, and immersive activities.
According to Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett, “It’s about more attractions, more immersive activities for visitors, and more events.” Jamaica hosts music, food, coffee, rum, and film festivals, encouraging travelers to explore beyond all-inclusive resorts.
Other Growing Destinations
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St. Thomas: 30% increase in interest
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Turks and Caicos: 10% increase in interest
Expedia’s Island Hot List provides a clear picture of where Caribbean travel demand is rising, helping advisors guide clients toward sun-soaked adventures and culturally rich experiences.
Photo credits : https://www.travelweekly.com/Caribbean-Travel/Insights/Expedia-Island-Hot-List-includes-Aruba-Jamaica-Dominican-Republic
