The Top Caribbean Trends for 2025, According to Travel Agents

Some of the top Caribbean advisors in the world recently spoke out about how to grow business in 2025 by citing the hottest hotel openings, attacking potential obstacles, identifying the latest and growing trends, revealing already popular islands and emerging ones, and their business goals for the new year.

Here’s what they had to say.

Growing and Existing Trends That Will Continue in 2025

Micheal McHugh, co-owner of Dream Makers Vacation Services along with his wife Amy McHugh, said one of the biggest trends heading to 2025 was spawned from the recent Presidential election.

“Prior to the election, we saw a lot of nervousness about booking or booking last minute,” he said.  “The two weeks before the election were super quiet. I personally don’t think people were concerned about who was going to be elected.

“I think they just needed all the constant bombardment to stop,” he continued. “Prior to the election, we were seeing people booking last minute to six months before travel. Not a whole lot of longer term. We’re started to see more clients booking further out.” 

Heather D’Amico, owner and vacation designer for D’Amico Travel said four types of previously popular vacations are all beginning to pick up steam in 2025.

“A few trends we are noticing are more solo guests, small family groups and wellness travel,” said D’Amico “There has been a big uptick in cruise requests as well, where guests can see multiple islands on one vacation.”

Ian Petrulli, vice president of Holiday Travel International, said many of his clients are looking for islands they haven’t yet visited.

“Lately, I have had clients saying that they want to go somewhere else in the Caribbean that they haven’t been to yet,” said “Petrulli “Pricing comes as a real shock to them especially knowing that these islands that they haven’t been to don’t offer all-inclusive options and are still more than what they’d pay to go to more traditional destinations like the Riviera Maya, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Aruba, etc.

“It looks like the aforementioned traditional Caribbean destinations for our market will remain in high demand for 2025,” he continued.

Kendra Wagner of Kendra Wagner Travel said tailored-made trips, particularly those with a wellness theme, will be especially popular in 2025.

“The hottest trends for Caribbean agents in 2025 revolve around personalization and creating deeply tailored experiences,” she said. “Wellness travel is particularly prominent, with growing interest in spa retreats, yoga escapes, and mindful getaways.”

She said one “hidden gem” for this is VIDA Cayman.

“It offers organic, clean cuisine at its restaurant, Nourish, paired with yoga and workout spaces, off-the-beaten-path tranquility, and an ideal setting for women’s retreats,” said Wagner. “Additionally, immersive cultural experiences, such as culinary tours or local artisan workshops, are in high demand. Focusing on crafting tailor-made itineraries that emphasize local connections and authentic engagement will set agents apart in this growing market.

Anticipated Obstacles for 2025 Caribbean Travel

Michael McHugh said hotel strikes are going to be one of the top vacation disruptors in the new year.

“One of the concerns I have is with the strikes that have been happening,” he said. “We saw a number in Jamaica and now one in Antigua. Most were at resorts who have been experiencing service issues, so we didn’t have many clients there, but I’ve heard of clients being affected. I’m hopeful that the resorts we sell pay attention and really focus on employee happiness in addition to client happiness.”

McHugh also noted that expensive flight prices, which has been the norm since travel resumed post COVID, could still be an obstacle in 2025, but can also see them dipping now that the results of the election “continues to settle.”

“Flights still are higher than normal, but I see them coming down,” he said. “This Christmas rates are insane. I’m hopeful as things continue to settle after the election that rates go down. I’m sure no change fees are a factor in the cost of airfare. If so, I’d rather see them go away and get lower airfare.”

Petrulli’s main obstacle has been going on in all industries for years, but he still maintains it will cause confusion amongst clients going forward.

“Misleading information via social media, traditional media and not understanding the State Department’s travel alerts,” he said.

D’Amico fears that the growing technology that allows clients to bypass an advisor’s help will only get more robust. Specifically, AI is causing a lot of concern for advisors, she said.

“Technology and higher client expectations are obstacles that are keeping up, which is either going to make or break businesses,” she said. “The ability to have personal conversations with AI tools is helping to streamline searches, making booking easier without a professional.”

But the skilled advisor can find ways to make this an advantage, she said.

“People are looking for instant communication, more attention, and unique experiences,” said D’Amico. “We must leverage technology to our benefit while connecting deeply with each client to deliver ‘wow’ service in 2025 and show value more than ever before.”

Wagner said one of the biggest challenges for Caribbean travel advisors heading into 2025 is the rising cost of vacations.

“Over the past few years, prices for popular destinations like Turks & Caicos, Antigua, and St. Lucia have surged, with $10,000 to $12,000 now being a baseline for many trips. This can be a tough adjustment for clients unfamiliar with luxury travel budgets.”

So, what’s her solution?

“To address this, I’ve been exploring lesser-known, more affordable destinations like Dominica. However, accessibility can be a drawback, depending on the client’s location,” she said.

Lastly, Wagner said another challenge is the recent surge of new agents with limited experience.

“Additionally, another challenge is the influx of new advisors with minimal training or industry knowledge,” she said. “Educating clients on the value of working with an experienced advisor backed by a strong team is crucial. The key lies in standing out by emphasizing expertise, personalized service and the ability to navigate an increasingly crowded market.”

Caribbean Hotel Openings for 2025

AMResorts is looking to have a lucrative year as the new Secrets and Dreams branded hotels are gaining a lot of client intrigue.

“We are seeing a lot of interest in Secrets Baby Beach in Aruba,” said Amy McHugh of Dream Makers Vacation Service. “Aruba has long needed more all-inclusive options, so this is something very exciting to look forward to.

D’Amico said Secrets Baby Beach is just one of three AMResorts her clients are inquiring about, along with Jamaica’s new Unico 1877 in Montego Bay.

“We’re so excited for Unico 1877 to open in Montego Bay this year,” she confirmed. “HIC consistently adds to its portfolio throughout the Caribbean. Secrets Baby Beach in Aruba, Secrets St. Lucia and Dreams Playa Esmeralda in the Dominican Republic are all on the horizon for 2025.”

Petrulli said the best part of Secrets Baby Beach is it’s going to be brand new as Aruba is known for having a lot of older hotels.