More than a quarter of global travelers now choose to visit less popular destinations, with 31% saying they would choose an alternative to their preferred destination to avoid crowds. This is according to the 2022 report on sustainable travel. Booking.com.
The most famous destinations in the world are victims of their success. Millions of people visit each year, crowding tourist attractions and putting enormous strain on local infrastructure. The situation has become so dire in tourist destinations like Venice that authorities have recently imposed additional restrictions To reduce the number of visitors. Where will travelers go instead?
Flight booking data from travel analytics companies forward key has discovered that the following destinations are benefiting from this new travel change:
Costa Rica
Summer flight bookings to Costa Rica increased by 19% in 2023 compared to 2019 and 15% compared to 2022. No other country has experienced such a large increase. According to Tico Times, North Americans accounted for a significant portion of the increase. Visits from the United States, Canada, and Mexico increased by 21% in 2023 compared to the previous year.
There are many factors that help explain Costa Rica’s growing popularity. vacation destination, accessibility has an important impact. Direct flights from many U.S. airports are common and can arrive within three hours from places like Miami. Of course, Costa Rica is also famous for its natural beauty, biodiversity, adventure activities, safety, and environmental friendliness. It’s rather surprising that the public has only just discovered it.
dominican republic
The Dominican Republic saw an 18% increase in summer flight bookings compared to 2019, and a 5% increase from 2022 onwards, making it second only to Costa Rica in terms of growth rate. This Caribbean country, which occupies two-thirds of the island of Hispaniola, is known for its ancient and pristine beaches, tropical atmosphere. However, 2023 set a record in terms of visitor numbers. For the first time in its history, more than 10 million people decided to participate.
Recent Forbes article It points out how a successful marketing campaign helped generate such impressive numbers. The seeds sown during the pandemic are now bearing fruit, both in terms of tourist arrivals and international travel investment.If the current growth rate continues, the tourism industry will Contributed approximately $29.8 billion to the national economy by 2028.
Columbia
Summer flight bookings in Colombia jumped 36% last year compared to 2022 and 14% compared to 2019. International visitor growth was particularly strong in the first quarter of 2023. According to the Colombian Treasury Department1.4 million non-residents entered the country between January and March. 25.1% Overall, 49% more people visited in the first quarter of 2023 than in 2022.
The number of visitors to Colombia is rapidly increasing for a variety of reasons. As in the Dominican Republic, a concerted push by the government is having an impact. Despite deep-seated misconceptions and safety concerns, this country’s beauty, diversity, and exotic food, and a rich history. Combine the Amazon rainforest, the Andes mountains, and the Caribbean and Pacific coasts, and it’s no wonder Colombia’s appeal among tourists is growing.
Jamaica
In Jamaica, the number of summer flight bookings for 2023 is 14% higher than 2019 and 15% higher than 2022. Numbers like these mean the Caribbean island is on track for a near-record year in tourism. Although current data is difficult to find, the following is predicted for September 2023: Number of visitors: 3.88 million Contributing $4.2 billion to the economy by the end of the year.
This increase in tourism is already creating logistical headaches. For example, in April last year, Jamaica made headlines During the first quarter of the year, an influx of tourists caused significant lines and delays at the island’s main airport. Jamaica’s sunny beaches, turquoise waters, overwater bungalowtropical atmosphere, and friendly locals are proving harder than ever to resist.
puerto rico
Like Colombia, Puerto Rico’s tourism industry grew even further last year compared to pre-pandemic levels. The number of summer flights to the island increased by 20% compared to 2022 and 14% compared to 2019. This is no small feat considering 2022 was a record year for the island’s tourism sector. Early last year, discover puerto ricoThe island’s official destination marketing organization said there were more tourists than ever before in the island’s history, record revenues and an increase in local tourism employees.
They attributed their success to a creative global marketing campaign that emphasized Puerto Rico’s unique qualities and ease of travel. It is safe to assume that these factors will have an impact in 2023 as well. Not only do direct flights arrive in less than three hours from many parts of the continental United States, but U.S. travelers don’t need a passport or visa. Its pristine beaches, sunny climate, exotic food and rich cultural heritage add to its appeal.
This article was created by Media decisions Syndicated by Wealth of Geeks.