Home » Latest Travel News » San Juan Joins New York, Miami, Newark, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, and Other US Cities in Welcoming the Most Tourists from Jamaica and the Bahamas Last Year: Everything You Need to Know
Published on
February 17, 2026
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San Juan, Puerto Rico, has joined the ranks of U.S. cities like New York, Miami, Newark, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, and others in welcoming the most tourists from Jamaica and the Bahamas last year. This surge in visitors highlights the strong tourism ties between the Caribbean and the U.S., with San Juan emerging as a key hub for travelers from both islands. The close proximity of Puerto Rico to Jamaica and the Bahamas, combined with its rich cultural offerings, vibrant tourism scene, and growing accessibility, makes it an attractive destination for Caribbean tourists. As both nations continue to invest in air travel connectivity and tourism infrastructure, the number of Jamaican and Bahamian tourists visiting U.S. cities like San Juan is expected to keep growing. This growth not only reinforces Puerto Rico’s position as a central Caribbean destination but also strengthens the regional tourism network, providing ample opportunities for cultural exchange, leisure, and business. In this article, we’ll delve into the factors behind this growing trend and explore how San Juan and other U.S. cities are benefiting from the influx of Caribbean travelers.
San Juan, PR: Strengthening Tourism Ties with the Caribbean
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San Juan, Puerto Rico, serves as a central hub for Caribbean travelers, with 42,114 visitors from Jamaica and 37,084 visitors from the Bahamas, bringing the total to 79,198. The close proximity of Puerto Rico to both Jamaica and the Bahamas has made it a natural choice for travelers from these islands, especially those looking to experience another Caribbean destination while still remaining within the region.
Jamaica and Puerto Rico have enjoyed a longstanding relationship through cultural exchange, particularly in music, festivals, and cuisine. Many Jamaican visitors travel to Puerto Rico to explore the island’s natural beauty, vibrant culture, and the history of its colonial architecture. For Bahamians, Puerto Rico offers a cosmopolitan atmosphere, with access to shopping, entertainment, and high-end resorts that rival those in their home country.
Both Jamaica and the Bahamas benefit from Puerto Rico’s strategic position as an international travel hub. As airlines increase their flights and Puerto Rico’s tourism infrastructure continues to expand, the number of Jamaican and Bahamian tourists visiting the island is expected to grow, strengthening regional tourism ties.
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New York, NY: A Hub of Growth in Tourism from Jamaica and the Bahamas
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New York City has long been a central destination for international travelers, and recent data shows that the city continues to experience growth in tourism from the Caribbean, particularly Jamaica and the Bahamas. With 143,267 visitors from Jamaica and 149,186 from the Bahamas, New York’s combined total of 292,453 visitors highlights a strong connection between the city and these two islands.
Tourism between Jamaica and New York has been an integral part of the island’s tourism strategy, with many Jamaican expats and travelers returning home or visiting the city for work, leisure, and family reunions. For Bahamians, New York remains a popular destination for shopping, cultural exploration, and business. This growth is further bolstered by increased flight connectivity and a surge in interest for cultural tourism and events within the city. Notably, many Bahamians and Jamaicans are drawn to New York’s vibrant arts scene, iconic landmarks, and seasonal events.
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As New York’s tourism industry rebounds from the effects of the pandemic, both Jamaican and Bahamian visitors are making up a significant portion of the city’s diverse international arrivals. With direct flights from both nations, there is potential for this growth to continue in the coming years.
Miami, FL: A Popular Gateway for Jamaican and Bahamian Travelers
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Miami has long been a favorite for travelers from the Caribbean, with its warm climate, luxurious resorts, and vibrant cultural scene. In 2023, Miami saw 87,566 visitors from Jamaica and 85,958 visitors from the Bahamas, reflecting the city’s enduring popularity as a vacation spot for both nations. With a combined total of 173,524 visitors, it is clear that Miami has become a prime destination for Caribbean tourists.
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The tourism link between Jamaica and Miami is especially strong, as many Jamaicans flock to Miami for vacation or to visit family and friends, often combining leisure time with business. Miami’s mix of cultural experiences, including Caribbean festivals, the arts scene, and top-notch restaurants, makes it a perfect fit for travelers seeking both relaxation and adventure. The Bahamas also contributes heavily to Miami’s tourism sector, as Bahamians travel for the city’s world-class shopping, beaches, and entertainment. Miami’s proximity to both islands and its numerous flight options make it an easy choice for Caribbean tourists.
In addition to leisure travel, there is a growing trend of Bahamians and Jamaicans visiting Miami for education, with a variety of universities and institutions attracting students from both nations. This influx contributes to the continued success of Miami’s tourism industry.
Newark/Teterboro, NJ: An Emerging Tourist Destination for Caribbean Visitors
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Newark/Teterboro has seen a rise in the number of visitors from Jamaica and the Bahamas, with 70,637 Jamaican visitors and 67,985 Bahamian visitors, leading to a combined total of 138,622. While traditionally overshadowed by nearby New York City and Philadelphia, Newark has experienced a surge in Caribbean arrivals, making it a noteworthy destination for travelers.
Jamaican visitors, many of whom are returning home for family events or exploring business opportunities, are increasingly turning to Newark as an entry point into the United States. Newark’s convenient access to both New York City and the broader Northeast region has made it a strategic choice for travelers. For Bahamians, Newark is an easy alternative to the bustling JFK or LaGuardia airports in New York, offering direct access to a range of cultural activities and educational institutions in the region.
As Newark grows in popularity, its cultural offerings, including proximity to major metropolitan areas and the emerging arts scene, draw more Caribbean travelers. With airlines expanding services to both the Bahamas and Jamaica, Newark/Teterboro’s potential as a hub for Caribbean tourists is poised for continued growth.
Fort Lauderdale, FL: A Key Gateway for Caribbean Tourism
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Fort Lauderdale, known for its scenic canals, pristine beaches, and luxury resorts, continues to experience strong tourism growth from both Jamaica and the Bahamas. With 28,234 visitors from Jamaica and 37,144 from the Bahamas, Fort Lauderdale’s total of 65,378 visitors highlights its growing appeal to Caribbean tourists.
The connection between Fort Lauderdale and the Caribbean has been bolstered by its easy accessibility from both Jamaica and the Bahamas. For Jamaicans, Fort Lauderdale serves as a prime gateway to Florida, attracting visitors who seek a combination of beach relaxation, shopping, and cultural experiences. Bahamians, on the other hand, enjoy the proximity to Fort Lauderdale’s famous resorts and entertainment options, often making the city a short getaway destination.
Fort Lauderdale is also an important cruise hub, with many Caribbean travelers choosing it as their port of departure for cruise vacations. The rise in popularity of cruise tourism has played a significant role in the growing number of Bahamian and Jamaican tourists in the area. As the city invests in infrastructure to cater to international visitors, tourism between Fort Lauderdale and these islands is expected to thrive.
Orlando, FL: The Family-Friendly Destination Drawing Caribbean Tourists
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Orlando, with its world-renowned theme parks and family-friendly atmosphere, has seen 40,052 visitors from Jamaica and 40,838 visitors from the Bahamas, totaling 80,890 visitors. As one of the most visited tourist destinations in the world, Orlando continues to captivate visitors from the Caribbean, especially families looking for a fun and affordable vacation.
For Jamaican visitors, Orlando’s amusement parks, such as Walt Disney World and Universal Studios, offer an exciting destination for family vacations. Many Jamaicans travel to Orlando for the opportunity to experience the magic of Disney and other attractions that are unique to the region. Similarly, Bahamians flock to Orlando for the same reasons, as well as to explore the city’s shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
Orlando’s appeal to Caribbean travelers goes beyond just theme parks. The city’s growing cultural attractions, international events, and conventions also attract both Jamaican and Bahamian visitors. As air connectivity between the islands and Orlando improves, tourism growth between Jamaica, the Bahamas, and Orlando looks set to continue, with Orlando offering an unforgettable experience for all visitors.
Caribbean Tourism Growth Across U.S. Cities: A Closer Look at Visitor Arrivals
The table highlights the growing trend of Caribbean tourism in various U.S. cities, with particular focus on Jamaica and the Bahamas as key source countries. As these cities continue to attract more visitors, they demonstrate the increasing importance of Caribbean tourists to the broader U.S. tourism landscape.
Boston, MA, leads the group with a total of 54,424 combined visitors from Jamaica and the Bahamas, showing a solid interest from both nations. The cultural and historical significance of Boston, along with its educational institutions, contribute to its appeal. Atlanta, GA, also shows notable growth, with 18,751 visitors, while Philadelphia and Chicago follow with 8,465 and 4,605 visitors, respectively. This data reveals a diverse range of cities benefiting from Caribbean tourism, especially from the expanding networks of flights and stronger cultural ties. These cities offer a mix of cultural, business, and leisure opportunities that resonate with Jamaican and Bahamian travelers, enhancing their status as go-to destinations. The overall increase in arrivals from both nations signals a strong potential for continued growth in Caribbean tourism to these cities.Port of EntryJamaica YTD VisitorsBahamas YTD VisitorsTotal CombinedBoston, MA28,12926,29554,424Atlanta, GA10,2678,48418,751Philadelphia, PA4,6353,8308,465Chicago, IL2,5122,0934,605
San Juan, Puerto Rico, has joined New York, Miami, Newark, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, and other U.S. cities in welcoming the most tourists from Jamaica and the Bahamas last year. This growth is driven by proximity, cultural ties, and improved travel connections.
Conclusion
San Juan has successfully joined New York, Miami, Newark, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, and other U.S. cities in welcoming the most tourists from Jamaica and the Bahamas last year. This growth in tourism reflects the strong connections between the Caribbean and the U.S., driven by factors such as geographical proximity, cultural ties, and expanding travel infrastructure. As these connections continue to strengthen, San Juan, along with other U.S. cities, will likely see even greater numbers of visitors from both nations. This trend highlights the increasing importance of Caribbean tourism in the broader U.S. tourism landscape, fostering cross-cultural exchange and economic growth. With continued investment in air connectivity and tourism offerings, both the U.S. and Caribbean destinations are poised for continued success in the coming years.
