Home » BAHAMAS TRAVEL NEWS » Canada Joins Dominican Republic, Bahamas, Jamaica, Barbados, Aruba, and More in Fueling the Widespread US Tourism Freefall with Significant Declines in Tourist Arrivals: Everything You Need to Know
Published on
February 17, 2026
By: Rana Pratap
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Canada has joined the Dominican Republic, Bahamas, Jamaica, Barbados, Aruba, and other nations in contributing to the sharp loss in international visitors, which is causing the US tourist sector to plummet in 2025. Concerns have been expressed regarding the US’s competitiveness as a vacation destination due to a notable decline in tourism from these important countries. Canada, which has historically been one of the biggest destinations for tourists to the United States, has had a sharp reduction in arrivals of 21.7%, and other Caribbean countries like Jamaica and the Dominican Republic are also seeing losses. These changes underscore the wider economic difficulties, evolving travel patterns, and growing competition from other tourism destinations that have all played a role in this concerning decline.
Canada’s Steep Decline Drives the Downturn
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Canada, historically the US’s largest source of international visitors, has seen a dramatic 21.7% drop in tourism numbers. In the selected year, only 14.7 million Canadians visited the US, down from 18.7 million the previous year. This sharp decline represents a loss of nearly 4 million visitors, significantly impacting the tourism figures. Canadians typically make up about 23.5% of the total international arrivals to the US, making this reduction one of the most substantial drivers behind the overall decline.
The decline in Canadian visitors comes as a result of several factors, including a sluggish economy, changes in travel habits, and rising costs for international travel. As Canada grapples with its own economic challenges, fewer Canadians are venturing to the US for vacations, business trips, and family visits. This shift, along with Canada’s increasing focus on domestic tourism, means the US may need to reconsider its strategies for attracting its northern neighbor’s travelers.
Dominican Republic Shows Modest Decline
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The Dominican Republic, while facing a smaller decline, has seen a slight dip in tourist numbers. Visitors from the Dominican Republic fell from 481,166 in the previous year to 479,340, marking a decrease of 0.4%. While the drop is modest compared to Canada’s sharp decline, it signals a shift in travel patterns from the Caribbean to the US. The Dominican Republic now accounts for just 0.8% of the total international tourists arriving in the US.
Several factors contribute to the Dominican Republic’s decline in US-bound visitors. While the country remains a popular destination for many travelers, economic conditions and changes in consumer behavior are influencing tourists’ travel decisions. Additionally, the growing appeal of alternative destinations within the Caribbean and Latin America has put pressure on the US as a tourist destination. The Dominican Republic’s minor decline is part of a broader regional trend that the US must address.
Bahamas Struggles with Declining Numbers
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The Bahamas has also seen a drop in its tourist arrivals to the US. The number of Bahamian visitors fell from 281,571 to 271,373, a decline of 3.6%. While the Bahamas continues to be a popular destination in the Caribbean, the downturn in travel to the US points to the changing preferences of international tourists. This slight reduction contributes to the overall 4.9% decline in US tourism from Caribbean countries.
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This decline in Bahamian tourists reflects broader issues within the region. Economic instability, as well as shifting travel preferences, have contributed to fewer visitors choosing the US as their primary travel destination. Moreover, the rise of low-cost carriers and emerging destinations in the Caribbean has provided travelers with more affordable and attractive alternatives to the US. The Bahamas’ slight dip is a part of this larger shift, and the US tourism industry must find ways to combat this competition.
Jamaica’s Sharp Decrease Reflects Broader Trend
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Jamaica, a longstanding player in the US tourism market, has seen a concerning 11.2% decrease in arrivals. Visitor numbers fell from 272,861 in the previous year to 242,398 in the selected year. This represents a significant loss for the US, especially considering the importance of Jamaican tourism in cities like Miami and New York. The drop signals a broader trend of diminishing interest in traditional Caribbean destinations.
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This sharp decrease in Jamaican visitors is a reflection of shifting travel trends, where tourists are seeking more diverse and affordable experiences. With the rise of alternative destinations and competition from other regions, Jamaica’s once-strong tourism flow to the US has diminished. The US must work to re-establish its appeal to Jamaican travelers, who are increasingly exploring other parts of the Caribbean and beyond.
Barbados Faces a Minor Setback
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Barbados, though experiencing a smaller decline than Jamaica, still faced a drop of 3.4% in US-bound tourism. The number of visitors from Barbados fell from 51,818 to 50,072. While the reduction is less significant than other regions, it still reflects a troubling trend for US tourism. Barbados’ small share of the overall tourist market means that this decrease has a lesser impact, but it is still part of a wider regional decline.
The decline from Barbados mirrors similar shifts seen in other Caribbean countries. As travelers are increasingly choosing alternative destinations within the region, the US has become less of a go-to option for Barbadian visitors. With fewer flights and higher travel costs, US-bound tourism from Barbados may continue to face challenges unless the industry adapts to these changing preferences.
Aruba and Curacao See Larger Drops
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Both Aruba and Curacao have seen considerable reductions in the number of tourists visiting the US. Aruba’s tourist arrivals dropped by 7.3%, with the number of visitors falling from 16,393 to 15,198. Similarly, Curacao saw a 12.8% decrease, with arrivals dropping from 13,068 to 11,392. While these islands contribute a smaller portion of the overall international tourist numbers, the decline is still notable.
These drops reflect the broader challenges facing Caribbean destinations as they compete for US-bound travelers. Rising travel costs and growing interest in other regions have led to fewer visitors from Aruba and Curacao traveling to the US. This decline in tourism to the US from these islands underscores the need for a strategic rethink to retain and grow international visitor numbers from the Caribbean.
Caribbean Nations Contribute to 4.9% Decrease in US Tourism
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Across the Caribbean, countries like Canada, the Dominican Republic, the Bahamas, Jamaica, Barbados, Aruba, and Curacao have collectively contributed to a 4.9% drop in tourist arrivals to the United States. The Caribbean, a key region for US tourism, has seen a marked decline in visitors, reflecting broader economic and travel changes. These reductions are especially concerning for the US, which relies heavily on international visitors from this region.
This decline can be attributed to several factors, including economic instability in key markets, shifting travel habits, and the rise of alternative destinations. For the US, this signals a need to reconsider its tourism strategies and focus on attracting more visitors from both traditional and emerging markets. As competition grows, the US must innovate and adapt to meet the needs of global travelers.
Why Is This Happening?
The decline in international arrivals from these key countries signals deeper issues within the US tourism sector. Economic instability, changing travel preferences, and lingering impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic have all contributed to the downturn. As travelers seek more affordable and convenient options, the US has seen its appeal wane in favor of alternative destinations. Countries like Canada and Jamaica, once major sources of US-bound tourism, now face economic challenges and shifting public preferences that limit travel.
Impact on US Tourism Industry
The significant drop in international arrivals has major implications for the US tourism industry. As one of the largest sectors contributing to the economy, the reduction in foreign visitors can affect everything from hotel bookings and airline revenues to retail and restaurant sales. Key attractions in major cities may also see fewer international tourists, potentially resulting in a loss of revenue and jobs across the sector.
What Does This Mean for the Future of US Tourism?
To reverse this trend, US tourism officials will need to reassess their strategies. New marketing initiatives, targeted campaigns, and a greater emphasis on unique, diverse experiences could help restore tourism numbers. Additionally, the US must address the competitive challenges posed by alternative destinations, especially in the Caribbean and Latin America, to remain a leading tourist destination.
In 2025, Canada joins the Dominican Republic, Bahamas, Jamaica, Barbados, Aruba, and more in fueling the US tourism freefall, with a dramatic 21.7% drop in Canadian arrivals due to economic shifts and rising competition.
Conclusion: What’s Next for US Tourism?
As countries like Canada, the Dominican Republic, the Bahamas, Jamaica, Barbados, Aruba, and Curacao continue to face declines in US-bound tourist arrivals, the US tourism industry must take action. With a -21.7% drop in Canadian visitors and similar declines from other key markets, the need for strategic changes is clear. To counter these losses, the US must find innovative ways to appeal to international travelers and reclaim its position as a top destination.
