Puerto Rico Leads Caribbean Travel Bookings Amid Regional Slump

Puerto Rico has emerged as the top Caribbean destination for U.S. travelers heading into the 2025 holiday season, despite an overall dip in regional bookings. According to recent data, flight bookings to Puerto Rico are up 9% year-over-year from U.S. markets and up 28% from international sources.

While many Caribbean destinations such as Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and Costa Rica are seeing declines, Puerto Rico has managed to buck the trend, benefiting from its U.S. territory status, no visa requirement for Americans, and ease of access.

Industry analysts note that travelers are opting for convenience, reliability, and value, and Puerto Rico’s connectivity, accommodation stock, and familiarity make it a compelling alternative within the region.

Local tourism stakeholders are capitalizing on this momentum by promoting cultural, adventure, and nature experiences, not just beach stays. Package offerings that combine urban and rural destinations are being emphasized to encourage longer stays.

This strong performance reinforces Puerto Rico’s strategic advantage in the regional tourism landscape, as it competes not just with Caribbean peers but with global destinations for traveler attention.

If Puerto Rico continues to outperform regional peers, it may reshape how travel marketers allocate promotional budgets and position offerings in the Caribbean.