Most Caribbean destinations report drop in winter tourists

Five Caribbean countries reported double-digit drops in winter tourist arrivals compared with the prior year, according to the Caribbean Tourism Organization.

Nine of the 12 countries and territories that submitted figures posted decreases.

Hardest hit was Anguilla with an 18.8% drop in January, the only month it reported. Antigua & Barbuda reported a 14.3% drop in the first three months of the year.

Other double-digit decreases were reported on St. Lucia (13.7%), the Cayman Islands (11.3%) and Montserrat (11.6%).

The Dominican Republic (4.4%), Puerto Rico (4.7%) and the U.S. Virgin Islands (6.1%) were down in January and February.

Market declines were heaviest in the U.S. market, followed by Europe. Canadian visitor numbers increased in all but three destinations -- Antigua & Barbuda, the Cayman Islands and Montserrat.

Jamaica (3.2%), Cuba (4.5%) and Cancun (9.4%) each reported increases for January and February.

Cruise traffic dropped in five of six ports, ranging from 4.4% drop in Belize to a 28.7% falloff in Jamaica.