Aviation analytics firm, Cirium, has just released its Global On-Time Performance (OTP) Report for March 2025, with Saudia topping the global table.
Cirium’s Global On-Time Performance Report: March 2025
Global:
Saudia led the pack with 94.07% of flights arriving at their destination on time, being named the most punctual airline globally
The second spot was taken by SAS, securing a 91.92% punctuality score, followed by Aeromexico with 91.47%
Qatar Airways and Turkish Airlines took the fourth and fifth spots with 90.9% and 90.71% of flights on-time respectively
The full top 10 can be found in the attached report
Europe:
SAS was crowned the most on-time airline in Europe last month, with 91.92% of flights arriving on-time
Austrian Airlines followed closely in second position, with 91.86% of all flights arriving on-time
Turkish Airlines, Transavia France and SunExpress also made the top five, offering customers punctual service on over 88% of flights
The full top 10 can be found in the attached report
Airports:
Riyadh King Khalid International Airport was crowned the most on-time large airport globally last month, with 93.92% of flights departing on-time, followed by Istanbul and Doha
Cancellations:
Flight cancellations across Europe decreased by 1.9% in March, with 8,103 cancelled flights compared to 8,261 in February.
Cirium defines an on-time flight as one that arrives at its destination airport within 15 minutes of its scheduled arrival time. For the Global Airlines category, only the top 10% of all passenger airlines by capacity are included, with each airline being required to serve at least three regions. For the European Airlines category, only the top 30% of all passenger airlines by capacity are included.
The Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT) reported that the number of foreign arrivals dropped by around 0.51 percent as of 31st March.
There was a significant decline in arrivals from key markets, particularly China and South Korea.
South Korea remains the Philippines’ largest tourism source market with 395,059 arrivals in the first quarter of this year though the figure is 13.9 percent lower than it was in the same period in 2024.
The United States and Japan came in second and third with 285,597 and 125,083 arrivals respectively.
Declining numbers
Meanwhile, arrivals from the Chinese Mainland continue to decline and the country itself is now but the sixth largest source market.
Chinese arrivals in Q1-2025 dropped by 33.7 percent, totalling around 72,665.
Nevertheless, the DOT reports significant year-on-year growth among arrivals from Australia, Canada, and Singapore.
The department has set itself an ambitious target of 8.4 million foreign arrivals for 2025, 55 percent higher than its target last year.
For this year’s commemoration of Earth Month throughout April, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort (HKDL) highlights its continued environmental initiatives aimed at promoting sustainability.
HKDL remains committed to adopting renewable energy and recently took innovative steps to convert a vintage amusement ride to electric power, installed Hong Kong’s first and largest car park solar canopy, and adopted AI technology to achieve energy savings.
The resort will continue to expand its solar power generation system to World of Frozen, further enhancing its sustainability efforts.
These initiatives, validated by industry accolades, underscore HKDL’s as a leader toward creating a better future.
HKDL senior vice-president for operations Tim Sypko said: “HKDL’s magic has positively impacted Hong Kong’s tourism, economy and community over the past 20 years. As a socially responsible business, we have been doing good while growing our business. This includes taking meaningful and measurable actions to support a healthier planet.”
Main Street goes electric
The resort is committed to taking meaningful and measurable actions to create a sustainable future.
Through a blend of innovation and nostalgia to utilize clean energy for amusement taxi rides.
The resort’s facility services team has converted the Main Street Taxi, a beloved feature of Main Street USA, to electric power by replacing its existing gasoline engine and hydraulic transmission system.
This innovative step prevents waste by modifying the resort’s existing vehicles.
The electricity-powered Main Street Taxi retains its vintage appearance which is a nod to the elongated horseless carriages of the early 1900s.
An onboard audio system has been added to simulate the sound of a gas engine.
This elevates the nostalgic ride experience for guests, with improved air quality.
Introducing Hong Kong’s first-ever car park with a solar power canopy
HKDL also marked a milestone in its journey toward clean energy adoption this year.
The resort proudly unveiled Hong Kong’s first and largest car park solar canopy in the cast members’ car park, featuring nearly 200 bi-facial solar panels and providing shelter for 40 parking spaces in the first phase.
The project is being executed in two phases. Upon completion of the second phase, the number of bi-facial solar panels will double to nearly 400, providing shelter for 80 parking spaces.
This system is expected to generate over 200,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity annually.
In addition, HKDL also set up an AI Digital Twin model for the district cooling air-conditioning systems, utilizing AI analytics to predict the resort’s cooling load and simulate operations virtually via the digital twin.
This AI technology optimizes the performance of water-cooled district cooling air-conditioning systems, not only creating a comfortable journey for guests but also reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions.
Following the huge success of last year’s Walk for Wellness wherein more than 1,000 travel agents collectively clocked 98,000 miles to raise £15,000 for charities Abta Lifeline and ITAA Benevolent Fund, Norwegian Cruise Line kicks up the pace for 2025 with a new target of 120,000 miles.
This year’s route will see walkers virtually island hop their way through the Caribbean, including NCL’s two private islands, Great Stirrup Cay and Harvest Caye.
NCL will be supporting the same charities for 2025, pledging to donate £10,000 and €5,000 respectively.
Funds raised by the campaign will directly help members of the travel trade community, offering vital assistance such as food vouchers and help with heating bills.
Here’s your motivation
To motivate participants to clock in as many miles as they can, there’s a bumper prize pool in place for those ready to accept mini-challenges throughout the month, including:
Four cabins aboard the stunning new Norwegian Luna’s inaugural, launching in 2026
£100 Nike gift voucher
Two £100 wellness vouchers
A Ninja Blender
ITAA chair Audrey Headon said: “Last year, NCL’s support gave our fund a much-needed boost and allowed us to assist those in the travel trade facing real hardship. From providing supermarket vouchers to covering essential bills, the impact was tangible. It’s heartwarming to see NCL stepping up once again, and we’re excited to walk alongside them for another year of wellness and support.”
Abta Lifeline director Trudie Clements added: “We’re thrilled to be part of NCL’s Walk for Wellness for a second year running. Their generous donation made a real difference to colleagues struggling with the cost of living, and it also helped raise awareness of the support available through Lifeline. It’s initiatives like this that remind people they’re not alone, and that this industry looks after its own.”
For his part, NCL’s vice-president and managing director for the UK and Ireland Gary Anslow remarked: “Walk for Wellness was a true highlight in our calendar last year. The spirit of our agents, partners, and team is what makes this campaign so special. We’ve seen firsthand the difference these funds make, and the stories of personal transformations are inspiring. Let’s smash 120,000 miles together and have some fun along the way!”
South Australian holiday makers will soon have more choice of airlines flying to Bali with Indonesia AirAsia announcing it will commence flying between Adelaide and Denpasar from 25 June this year. Indonesia AirAsia will introduce four flights a week to the Indonesian holiday destination using the 180-seat A320-200 aircraft, creating more than 74,000 visitor seats per year through Adelaide Airport.
Flights on the new route are on sale from today starting from just AUD199*. They will depart Adelaide every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, and return every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.
This is the first time Indonesia AirAsia has operated a service out of Adelaide. The flights from Bali will connect to many popular destinations across the AirAsia Group network of over 130 destinations across Asia and beyond.
Veranita Yosephine, CEO Indonesia AirAsia said: “We are thrilled to touch down in Adelaide and South Australia soon for the very first time. Australia is one of our most important growth markets with the recent addition of Cairns and Darwin to our network as well as Perth.
“While we all know Bali is a number one holiday destination for Australians, we are also connecting South Australia to the world of AirAsia with over 130 destinations across Asia and beyond, using Bali as a key hub to look to fly somewhere different at great value prices.
“At the same time Adelaide will now be on the map as a new location for the many millions of AirAsia guests who fly with us each year which they can connect to via Bali. South Australia has so many unique local tourism highlights including diverse arts, incredible landscapes, beaches, world renowned vineyards, culture, shopping and food.
“Our FlyThru international connecting services from Adelaide to Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Bangkok and Phuket via Bali mean you can reach your destination on the same day seamlessly without needing to transfer luggage or check in for the second flight to get there. Other Aussie favourite destinations in Japan, South Korea, India, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and many more are now within affordable reach for South Australians’ on the vast AirAsia Group network and we look forward to welcoming you all on board soon.
“We wish to thank Adelaide Airport, the Government of South Australia and Tourism South Australia for helping to make these new services a reality.”
Brenton Cox, Managing Director Adelaide Airport said: “Bali is the most popular destination for South Australian travellers, and there is significant pent-up demand for flights at affordable prices.
“We’re excited that Indonesia AirAsia has recognised this opportunity and added Adelaide services to its growing network.
“Indonesia AirAsia will provide greater choice for travellers as Adelaide’s first non-stop Asia-based low-cost carrier since 2015. This also opens up each way, low cost one- and two-stop options via AirAsia’s formidable network throughout Southeast Asia and beyond including from Korea, Japan and India.
“Development of affordable travel is vital to the growth of our market and to achieving our ambitious network targets.”
Vedi Kurnia Buana, Indonesian Consul General in Sydney commented: “We are delighted to welcome the launch of AirAsia Indonesia’s new direct route connecting Bali and Adelaide. This initiative not only provides more options for Australian travelers to experience the beauty of Bali and other destinations in Indonesia but also invites Indonesian travelers to explore the remarkable landmarks and rich heritage of South Australia.
“We appreciate AirAsia Indonesia’s commitment to supporting tourism growth and economic opportunities in both countries. This new route will enhance tourist arrivals, strengthen connectivity, and open broader opportunities for collaboration across various sectors. I hope this route will be warmly embraced by the people of South Australia and Indonesia, and we are ready to support the success of this inaugural flight.”
Vietjet Air and AV AirFinance have signed a financial agreement totaling US$300 million. The signing ceremony took place in the presence of Vietnam’s Deputy Prime Minister Ho Duc Phoc and other senior Vietnamese government officials, as part of an official mission aimed at strengthening U.S.–Vietnam economic and trade relations.
The agreement is part of a broader series of aircraft financing deals totaling over US$4 billion that Vietjet has secured with leading U.S. financial institutions. These commitments aim to support Vietjet’s new fleet development plan, with the projected delivery of nearly 300 aircraft between 2025 and 2027.
Stephen Murphy, CEO of AV AirFinance, said: “We are delighted to be a long-term strategic partner of Vietjet. This new commitment reflects our strong relationship and willingness to support Vietjet’s resurgent growth in the Asia-Pacific region via new generation aircraft.”
In 2025, Vietjet will begin taking delivery of the first batch of Boeing 737 MAX aircraft from its landmark order of 200 aircraft, valued at over US$24 billion. The deal was originally announced on February 27, 2019, in Vietnam, in the presence of U.S. President Donald Trump. As part of its global growth strategy, the airline is currently in discussions to further expand this historic order.
In addition to its collaboration with Boeing, Vietjet has established long-term strategic partnerships with several major U.S. corporations, including GE, Pratt & Whitney, and Honeywell, with total contract values reaching approximately US$50 billion. Ongoing negotiations are expected to add a further US$14 billion. Notably, Vietjet’s engine and technical service agreements with GE and Pratt & Whitney alone now exceed a combined value of US$10 billion. The airline is also deepening its technology partnerships with leading U.S. firms such as Microsoft, Apple, and Google, while exploring collaboration with SpaceX to integrate advanced technologies across its fleet. These high-value contracts are poised to contribute significantly to reducing the trade imbalance between Vietnam and the United States in the near future.
Dr. Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao, Chairwoman of Vietjet, congratulated the signing event and affirmed: “I am steadfast in my commitment to working tirelessly and fostering global partnerships that help bridge cultures, economies, and technologies between Vietnam, the United States, and the wider world.”
With a strategic focus on developing a modern fleet and a global flight network, Vietjet currently operates a fleet of over 115 new, fuel-efficient aircraft, with more than 400 additional aircraft on order. It has been solidifying its position as the airline with the most extensive flight network between India and Vietnam, operating 10 direct routes with 78 flights per week. This network connects New Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Kochi, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru, to key Vietnamese hubs—Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi and Da Nang. Indian travellers can also take advantage of Vietjet’s international connections to popular destinations, including Bali, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore or major cities in Australia and Northeast Asia.
AV AirFinance was established by a team of experienced industry professionals together with KKR and focuses on arranging financing for commercial aircraft to airlines, lessors, cargo operators and investors.
After an extensive two-week dry dock in Palermo, Italy, Majestic Princess has made a grand return to the water, showcasing an impressive series of new venues, revitalised spaces, and refined touches just in time for its 2025 Mediterranean season. Guests aboard this newly updated ship are in for a luxurious experience, complete with enhanced dining options, vibrant social spaces, and plenty of indulgent surprises.
A Remarkable Transformation
Princess Cruises has spared no effort in giving Majestic Princess a refreshed identity, with the addition of beloved venues from across its fleet. Lorna Warren, Vice President of Hotel Operations and Guest Experience, shared her excitement: “Majestic Princess has undergone a remarkable transformation that will introduce beloved venues and experiences from across our fleet as it sails. We can’t wait to welcome guests aboard for the upcoming Mediterranean season as we celebrate our 40th anniversary of cruising in this stunning, sought-after region.”
The ship now exudes a renewed sense of charm and sophistication, offering elevated culinary experiences and reimagined gathering spaces designed to delight every traveller.
New Additions and Redefined Spaces
Deck 5:
O’Malley’s Irish Pub: Serving classic Irish pub fare, this lively spot offers hearty meals, late-night bites, and an extensive drinks menu, complete with curated beer and whiskey flights. Live music makes this the perfect gathering spot (formerly Vines Wine Bar).
Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria: Known for its authentic Tuscan flavours and cherished family recipes, Sabatini’s introduces handmade pastas, rich sauces, and slow-braised meats (formerly Harmony Restaurant).
Good Spirits At Sea: Inspired by the hit TV show, this bar immerses guests in cocktail culture with live demonstrations by expert mixologists (replaces Piazza Bar).
EFFY Jewellery: High-end jewellery from New York, showcasing exquisite gemstones and craftsmanship (formerly part of Calypso Cove).
Confectionary: A Victorian-style sweet shop adorned with colourful jars of lollies, offering a delightful selection of sugary treats (formerly Calypso Cove).
Deck 6:
Bellini’s Cocktail Bar: A nod to Italian elegance, this chic space serves signature Bellinis, curated wines, and hand-crafted cocktails (replaces Good Spirits At Sea).
Captains Arcade: A hub of classic and interactive video games to keep everyone entertained (formerly Churchill’s Video Arcade).
Deck 7:
Ocean Terrace Sushi Bar: Perfect for sushi enthusiasts, this bar offers expertly crafted nigiri, sashimi, and maki rolls with stunning Piazza views (formerly Ocean Terrace Bar).
Expanded EFFY Lounge: Features bespoke consultations, expanded jewellery options, and luxurious seminars (formerly Cartier).
Princess Photo Gallery: Relocated to provide convenient access for photo prints and downloads (formerly the Library).
Deck 16:
Alfredo’s Slice: Serving made-to-order Neapolitan pizza poolside, this is a paradise for pizza lovers (replaces Chopsticks Noodle & Dim Sum Bar).
The Salty Dog Grill: This poolside favourite offers burgers, hot dogs, street tacos, and more, all cooked to order (formerly Lobster Bar & Grill).
A Premium Experience
Majestic Princess continues to deliver an exceptional Princess MedallionClass experience, known for its unmatched service and personalisation. Guests can enjoy inclusive packages like Princess Plus and Princess Premier, adding incredible value with perks like Wi-Fi, beverages, desserts, and more—at savings of up to 65%.
A Season of Exploration
The newly revitalised Majestic Princess embarks on an exciting itinerary for 2025, starting with Mediterranean cruises (April–July). It will then sail to Canada and New England (August–September), followed by the Caribbean (October–December) to close out the year.
Discover More
With new features, impeccable service, and iconic itineraries, Majestic Princess promises an unforgettable journey. For more information on upcoming sailings in 2025 and beyond, visit princess.com.
Ready for the Mediterranean adventure of a lifetime?
Seabourn, renowned for its ultra-luxury cruise experiences, has introduced an exciting new collaboration with PeppaRose, debuting destination-inspired scarves and resort wear aboard five of its opulent ships. Created in partnership with Hematian Family Duty Free (HFDF), this collection of elegant designs by PeppaRose founder Jacqueline Lampert draws inspiration from the breathtaking Arctic and Antarctic landscapes and wildlife.
A Tribute to Polar Majesty
Exclusively available aboard the Seabourn Encore, Ovation, Quest, Sojourn, and Pursuit, the Polar Collection embodies the beauty of the polar regions. Carefully hand-crafted from sustainably sourced, luxurious cashmere, each piece reflects PeppaRose’s dedication to merging style with environmental consciousness. The designs showcase ethereal imagery inspired by luminous auroras, majestic humpback whales, snow-covered vistas, delicate snow petrels, and iconic emperor penguins. Each element has been thoughtfully hand-drawn to evoke a profound connection to the polar destinations.
Jacqueline Lampert explains, “This collection was inspired by the raw beauty and ethereal majesty of the Arctic and Antarctica. Each animal—whether the powerful humpback whale, the elegant snow petrel, or the resilient emperor penguin—was chosen not only for its visual impact but for the story it tells about beauty, wonder, and place.”
Elevating the Onboard Experience
For Seabourn, the partnership with PeppaRose represents its commitment to enhancing the guest experience with destination-inspired luxury. “We are delighted to feature PeppaRose as part of the Seabourn retail experience,” says Mishawn Ring, Director of Merchandising for HFDF. “Guests are appreciating the unique, high-quality designs that reflect the spirit of their travels.”
Carole Biencourt, Seabourn’s vice president of onboard revenue, adds, “At Seabourn, we’re always looking for ways to elevate the guest experience with offerings that reflect the beauty and nature of the places we visit. The collaboration with PeppaRose brings a beautifully curated collection exclusively to our ships, creating a sense of discovery that is at the heart of every Seabourn voyage.”
Looking Ahead
Following the success of the Polar Collection, Jacqueline Lampert is currently designing new collections inspired by iconic destinations including Alaska and the Caribbean, ensuring PeppaRose continues to offer unique pieces that resonate with travellers.
Reflecting on this partnership, Lampert shares, “Luxury, storytelling, and craftsmanship are the foundation of our brand. The response from HFDF and Seabourn has been tremendous, and we value this relationship as a testament to the creativity and forward-thinking perspective within the cruise industry.”
A New Standard in Destination-Inspired Luxury
The PeppaRose collaboration with Seabourn redefines onboard retail offerings, marrying luxury craftsmanship with the spirit of exploration. From the frozen polar wonders to the serene beauty of upcoming regional collections, the PeppaRose designs deliver a refined and meaningful connection to the places travellers love.
For guests sailing aboard Seabourn’s ships, the Polar Collection is a testament to the beauty of the Arctic and Antarctic, blending elegance with heartfelt storytelling. Experience these exclusive designs and uncover the essence of each destination—available only at sea.
RoomPriceGenie, a provider of revenue management systems (RMS) for independent hotels and groups, is proud to announce the impressive results from an in-depth, 700-day study of 567 hotel clients worldwide, which demonstrates the ROI earned by each property as a result of implementing the company’s RMS. During the study period, participating hotels experienced:
An average revenue increase of 19% across 567 properties in various markets worldwide.
ADR and occupancy improve together. With a 4% increase in ADR and a 14% boost in occupancy, properties benefit from higher rates and more booked nights.
Importantly, the study showed that thehotels’ room count had no significant impact on revenue, ADR or occupancy gains experienced.
This study conclusively showed the RoomPriceGenie RMS helps hotels increase room rates while driving higher occupancy and significantly increasing overall revenue. The consistency and significant nature of the gains earned by each property also demonstrates that the cost of investment in implementing the RMS will be recovered quickly, with financial gains increasing exponentially over time – no matter the type or size of hotel, or how the market changes.
As well as boosting bookings and revenue, the study also proved the RoomPriceGenie RMS helps hoteliersplan and execute their revenue management strategy significantly more quickly than before.
Lucas Roth, Owner atRaincity Property Group said: “Instead of spending 10 hours every month going over the pricing for the upcoming months, we can now complete it in about 15 minutes.”
Kiki Shahabi, Manager atSteiner Residences agreed: “What used to take days to several weeks to do is now possible in a single day.”
“Revenue management isn’t just about increasing prices; it’s about finding the sweet spot where occupancy, rates, and guest satisfaction align perfectly,” said Chas Scarantino, CEO at RoomPriceGenie. “While many hotels are initially wary of implementing dynamic pricing, this study shows that automating your pricing is the only way for hotels to create and maintain that integral balance, without losing control over their pricing or dissuading guests from booking with their property. As only approx.10% of hoteliers currently use a dedicated RMS for managing their pricing, the RoomPriceGenie RMS is a proven way for ALL hotels to perform more competitively and maximize their overall profitability.”
Methodology
The study examined the data from 567 properties from nine countries: Australia, the Czech Republic, Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Spain, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States.
The study included comparing each property’s performance to the Same Time Last Year (STLY) to track improvements at 567 properties in different markets and with different sizes and types, all using the RoomPriceGenie with AutoPilot feature, which automates pricing calculations and updates. The study examined each property’s core revenue metrics – total revenue, ADR (Average Daily Rate), and occupancy rates – for up to 700 days.
Representative Image, Port Huron, Michigan United States
Pointing to the considerable mutual benefits that tourism brings to both the Caribbean and the United States—particularly Florida—the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), the region’s association representing private-sector tourism interests, is recommending alternatives to the proposed U.S. port service fees and tariffs. The organization is advocating for modifications to the port-related policies currently under consideration, and is calling for a new approach to strengthen and safeguard the two-way ties in trade and travel between the region and the U.S.
CHTA cited its recent submission to the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) and other U.S. officials in response to a call for comments regarding proposed service fees of up to $1.5 million for each port call by a Chinese-made or flagged vessel. The organization argues that these fees, coupled with tariffs, will significantly increase the cost of imports—raising costs for both land and cruise travelers—and ultimately reduce traveler demand and spending.
While acknowledging the U.S. government’s intention to expand the use of U.S.-built cargo vessels, CHTA warned of the policy’s unintended consequences, particularly its timing. The association presented compelling data highlighting the value of both land- and cruise-based travel to the U.S. and the Caribbean, as well as the challenges that U.S. and Caribbean-owned shipping companies would face in quickly transitioning away from Chinese-built vessels.
CHTA President Sanovnik Destang emphasized the socio-economic benefits that tourism brings to both regions, including job creation, business opportunities, and increased tax revenue.
“The region was beginning to see light at the end of the tunnel with many tourism-related businesses recovering from the tremendous impact the pandemic had on travel and tourism,” said Destang. “Even as our industry has rebounded, we remain highly vulnerable to the high cost of operations—particularly food and beverages—driven largely by five years of inflation. One-third of our tourism-related businesses reported a net loss in 2024, according to CHTA’s annual performance study,” he added.
In its submission to the USTR, CHTA aligned with the CARICOM Private Sector Organization (CPSO) and shipping interests serving the Caribbean, calling for exemptions from the proposed fees for the region and for protection of smaller shipping companies that serve the Caribbean—often via multiple small transshipment ports.
Caribbean states within the proposed exemption would include: Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Bonaire, the British Virgin Islands, Guyana, Cayman Islands, Curaçao, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Haiti, Jamaica, Sint Maarten, St. Barthélemy, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Martin, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad & Tobago, and Turks & Caicos. Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands would be included as U.S. territories.
Tourism contributed an estimated $91.2 billion to the region’s economies in 2024 and generated over 2.9 million jobs, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council. That year, the region welcomed more than 68 million visitors—half via cruise ships and half through stays in hotels and other accommodations—according to the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO).
The U.S. is the largest supplier of food products to the Caribbean, with food and beverages representing the highest input costs. An estimated 70–80 percent of these goods are delivered via maritime shipping from the U.S., according to the CPSO.
Florida, in particular, would feel the impact. Most cruise visitors to the Caribbean originate from the state, and cruise ships are provisioned through Florida-based suppliers and shippers—contributing significantly to U.S. businesses, employment, and local, state, and federal tax revenues.
The CPSO notes that each stayover visitor (i.e., staying in a hotel or guest accommodation) to the Caribbean contributes an estimated $944—directly and indirectly—toward incremental U.S. imports, approximating $6.2 billion in U.S. exports to CARICOM countries in 2023. Each cruise visitor is estimated to contribute $23—directly and indirectly—toward incremental U.S. imports, totaling approximately $0.3 billion in U.S. exports to CARICOM countries in 2023.
“Given the clear mutual advantages to both the U.S. and the Caribbean of a vibrant Caribbean hospitality and tourism industry, and in the spirit of mutual collaboration, longstanding benefits from trade and tourism, and our shared commitment to free enterprise and democracy, we are hopeful that our recommendations are considered and adopted for our mutual benefit,” said Destang.
