While the Caribbean has long been a celebrated destination among US and European travellers, new data from the Expedia group reveals a rising demand for intra-Caribbean travel.

Based on data for flights occurring between January 1, 2017-December 31, 2017 compared to the same timeframe in 2016, Expedia group reports a 15 per cent increase in ticket demand for travel from Caribbean origins to a Caribbean destination, approximately three times the growth rate of international inbound travel.

Based on flight data, the top volume destinations that received the most travellers from the Caribbean in 2017 year-over-year included:

• Dominican Republic, with nearly 20 per cent share of ticket sales
• The Bahamas, with 10 per cent share of ticket sales
• Trinidad and Tobago, with nearly 10 per cent share of ticket sales

Leading volume outbound markets from the Caribbean during this time were:

• Puerto Rico, with nearly 30 per cent share of ticket sales
• Trinidad and Tobago, with nearly 15 per cent share of ticket sales
• The Bahamas, with 10 per cent share of ticket sales

Additional data results from this study report that although intra-Caribbean travel was stable throughout 2017, there were slightly higher volumes of travel during the summer months of July and August based on flight and hotel data.

The Expedia group also reported that Punta Cana and San Juan were top destinations that received Caribbean travellers that booked via mobile devices and through packages.