Home » TRAVEL TRENDS AND FOCUS » Punta Cana Beats Cozumel, San Jose, Puerto Vallarta, San Juan as North Americans Flock to Dominican Republic for the 2025 Holidays, Propelling the Region to New Heights in Global Rankings
Published on
December 24, 2025
The 2025 holiday season is shattering every previous travel record. A staggering 122.4 million Americans are now hitting the roads and skies. This massive surge in movement has shifted the global leaderboard. Punta Cana currently leads the charge as the top international choice for North Americans. This tropical powerhouse is successfully outperforming legendary spots like Cozumel and San Jose. Travelers are clearly craving a mix of warm weather and rich cultural depth. Many seek the vibrant “Pura Vida” energy of Costa Rica. Others prefer the historic charm found in San Juan or the stunning sunsets of Puerto Vallarta. However, the Dominican Republic’s blend of luxury and value is proving unbeatable this year. While the festivities in San Juan offer the world’s longest Christmas, the sheer demand for the Caribbean is reaching new heights. This report analyzes why these specific destinations are dominating the market and how they are reshaping the future of global holiday travel.
The Dominance of Punta Cana in the 2025 Rankings
Why is Punta Cana suddenly the gold standard? The numbers from the Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism tell a story of explosive growth. In the first eight months of 2025 alone, the country welcomed over 8 million visitors. That is a massive 49% increase compared to pre-pandemic levels.
For North Americans, Punta Cana offers something the competition struggles to match. It provides a high-end, all-inclusive experience that feels both exotic and accessible. While travelers still love the diving in Cozumel or the history of San Juan, the sheer volume of new luxury resorts in the Dominican Republic—like the Zemi Miches and new Marriott properties—has tilted the scales. Punta Cana isn’t just a beach destination anymore; it is a global hospitality powerhouse.
Cozumel and the Mexican Caribbean Fight for Second Place
Despite the surge in the Dominican Republic, Cozumel remains a vital player in the holiday market. As the premier cruise hub of the Riviera Maya, Cozumel continues to draw millions who prefer the sea to the sky. The island is currently in the midst of its official “Las Posadas” celebrations. These government-recognized cultural events bring a deep sense of community to the holiday season.
However, the AAA data suggests that air travel is hitting new heights, with over 8 million domestic flights projected. This shift toward flying favors destinations with massive airport capacity. While Cozumel is a cruise darling, Punta Cana controls 58% of all air arrivals in its country. This logistical advantage is exactly why Punta Cana is outperforming Cozumel in the 2025 year-end rankings.
San Jose and the Costa Rican “Festival of Lights”
Further south, San Jose is making a massive cultural push. The Costa Rica Tourism Board (ICT) has turned the capital into a glowing beacon of holiday spirit. The “Festival de la Luz” is the crown jewel of their season. This state-sponsored event features illuminated floats and marching bands that take over the heart of San Jose.
The city also hosts the “Fiestas de Zapote” and the “Tope Nacional,” a massive horse parade. These events offer a “Pura Vida” style of Christmas that you won’t find in Punta Cana or Cozumel. Yet, while San Jose wins on cultural depth, it remains a niche choice compared to the massive resort appeal of the Dominican Republic. Travelers are choosing the convenience of the beach over the bustle of the city this year.
Puerto Vallarta and the Pacific Coast Surge
On the Pacific side of Mexico, Puerto Vallarta is enjoying its own record-breaking season. The city is currently celebrating the “Fiestas Guadalupanas.” This 12-day festival features over 400 processions and is recognized as the “Intangible Heritage of the State of Jalisco.”
Puerto Vallarta offers a unique combination of mountain scenery and ocean views. It is a favorite for those who find Cozumel too flat or San Jose too urban. But even with 20,000 devotees marching in its grand pilgrimages, Puerto Vallarta sits behind the Caribbean giants in the global rankings. The Atlantic side of the continent simply has more “gravity” for East Coast and Midwest travelers this year.
San Juan and the Longest Christmas in the World
If you want a holiday that never ends, San Juan is the answer. Puerto Rico officially claims to have the longest holiday season on the planet. From the dawn masses of “Misa de Aguinaldo” to the “San Sebastián Street Festival” in January, San Juan is a non-stop party.
The AAA forecast highlights that 4.9 million people are traveling by “other modes,” including cruises. San Juan is a major beneficiary of this, serving as a key homeport for the Southern Caribbean. But even with its “Coquito” (coconut eggnog) and vibrant “Parrandas,” San Juan is facing stiff competition from the newer, flashier developments in Punta Cana. The “Island of Enchantment” is still enchanting, but the Dominican Republic is currently winning the marketing war.
Nassau and the Rhythms of Junkanoo
In the Bahamas, Nassau is preparing for its most iconic event: Junkanoo. On Boxing Day and New Year’s morning, the streets of Nassau explode with the sound of goatskin drums and cowbells. This isn’t just a parade; it is a national competition with government-sponsored prizes.
The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism has even worked to increase flight capacity, with new daily nonstops from hubs like Detroit. This makes Nassau a top-tier contender for the 2025 holidays. However, Nassau often competes for the same traveler as Punta Cana and Cozumel. This year, the price-to-luxury ratio in the Dominican Republic seems to be the deciding factor for the 122.4 million people on the move.
Rome and the Old World Appeal
It is rare to see a Caribbean beach town beat the “Eternal City,” but the 2025 data shows a clear preference for warm weather. Rome is still a magical destination in December. With the Vatican’s massive “Presepe” (Nativity scene) and the bustling markets of Piazza Navona, Rome offers a spiritual and historical depth that Punta Cana cannot replicate.
The “Natale a Roma” program is a masterclass in urban holiday planning. Yet, AAA notes that roundtrip domestic flights are averaging nearly $900. When you add the cost of a trans-Atlantic flight to Rome, many families are opting for the relative value of the Caribbean. The tropical sun is winning out over the Roman cobblestones this winter.
Oranjestad and the “Pagaras” Tradition
Oranjestad, Aruba, offers a very different New Year’s experience. The island is famous for its “Pagaras”—massive strings of firecrackers that businesses light to ward off bad energy. It is loud, smoky and exhilarating. Aruba also features the “Dande” tradition, where traveling musicians visit homes to sing blessings for the coming year.
While Oranjestad is a premium destination, it remains a boutique experience compared to the massive scale of Punta Cana. The Dominican Republic’s ability to host millions of travelers across hundreds of resorts gives it a statistical edge that even the “One Happy Island” cannot overcome.
Sydney and the Global Fireworks Stage
Finally, we look at Sydney. For those willing to make the long haul, Sydney offers the world’s most famous New Year’s Eve fireworks display. The City of Sydney manages this event with military precision, providing free vantage points like Mrs. Macquarie’s Point for thousands of spectators.
With the “Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race” starting on Boxing Day, the city is a hive of activity. But Sydney is a summer destination in December. For many North Americans, the 15+ hour flight is a barrier compared to the quick jump down to Punta Cana, Cozumel, or San Juan. Convenience is king in the 2025 travel market.
Conclusion: A Record-Setting Year for Global Travel
As 2025 comes to a close, the travel industry is healthier than ever. The record 122.4 million travelers identified by AAA are seeking connection, culture and a break from the ordinary. While every destination on this list—from the history of Rome to the rhythmic streets of Nassau—offers something spectacular, the Dominican Republic has captured the zeitgeist.
Punta Cana has successfully positioned itself as the premier global holiday destination by balancing tradition with modern luxury. Whether you are seeking the “Pura Vida” of San Jose, the faith-driven processions of Puerto Vallarta, or the firecrackers of Oranjestad, this year proves that the world is ready to explore.
