Leaders of some of the Caribbean’s biggest tourist destinations say they’re worried easing relations between the US and Cuba will result in fewer visitors to the rest of the region.
Concerns come after Cuba’s Tourism Ministry reported a 36 percent increase in visitors from the US alone during the first half of this year compared to the same period 2014.
In total around US$1.7 billion (AU$2.21 billion) in revenue was generated between January and May, while international arrivals climbed 14 percent.
Officials expect the upward trend to continue throughout the year to reach record arrivals and record revenue of US$2.7 billion.
Cuba is quickly becoming a hit amongst travellers. Image: Jekurantodistaja / Shutterstock.com
While this is good news for Cuba’s economy, other popular Caribbean destinations are worried the increasing number of visitors to Cuba will hit the rest of region.
Frank Comito the CEO of the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association told NT News that many of the Caribbean islands are dependent on tourism and a decline in arrivals would cause ‘serious economic and employment consequences’.
As a result, the association has requested a partnership with the US to help boost investment and travel across the region.
Other Caribbean islands like Jamaica rely on revenue from tourism.
The plan would focus on promoting various islands to a US audience.
Additionally, Comito said the region should also look at work together to boost overall tourism.
“It’s a little idealistic, but I think you need an element of that in this. A stronger Caribbean benefits everyone, including Cuba.”
Frank Comito, Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association CEO
The Caribbean is popular amongst cruise lines sailing out of Florida.
In addition to land tourists, the Caribbean is a popular spot for cruise itineraries from Florida.
Its islands are frequented by a number of cruise lines such as Carnival, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line.
Richard Branson, who is set to launch Virgin Cruises in 2020, will also send his ships to the Caribbean and has already expressed interest in cruising to Cuba.