The Caribbean in 2019: tourist numbers are up and it’s carnival almost every day

2017 was another record year for Cuba. The number of visitors from the US more than doubled. However, according to organisers and exhibitors on the stand of Cuba in Hall 22a at ITB Berlin, the effects of travel restrictions imposed by the US government last November are now beginning to be felt.

State representatives from Havana expressed their satisfaction that neither damage from Hurricane Irma nor the latest additional restrictions from Washington were able to stop the success of tourism on the island last year.

Latin America is becoming an increasingly popular cruise destination, but never a high volume destination for this market. Those who have taken a ship to the Galapagos or the Amazon, who have undertaken an expedition to Chile or Argentina, traversed the Panama Canal or tied up in Havana and Cartagena are primarily interested in the destination. Encounters with the locals, history, nature in its purest form, and real life are all important, but there is no call for a fancy programme of on-board activities.

The Caribbean is more popular than ever, and not just because of its beautiful beaches and coconut palms, but also because it offers authenticity, that 'hammock' feeling, home stays, reggae, calypso, rum, fine cigars and carnival, the latter also in July and December on some islands.

Speaking shortly before the start of ITB Berlin, Hugh Riley, Secretary General of the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), stated: "Our guests are increasingly interested in the culture of the more than 30 islands, the people, their music, local handicrafts and Caribbean cooking."