Punta Cana and Santiago: hot picks for US summer travelers

Santo Domingo.- According to the latest global report from the Mastercard Economics Institute, the top 10 trending destinations for US travelers from June to August 2024 include four spots in the Caribbean: Oranjestad, Aruba (2nd), Punta Cana, Dominican Republic (5th), San Juan, Puerto Rico (6th), and Santiago, Dominican Republic (10th).

Oranjestad ranks globally as the tenth trending destination during the same period. Among Latin Americans, Punta Cana stands out as the eighth trending tourist destination for this summer.

The tourism sector in 2024 is witnessing significant growth, with consumer travel spending robust and notable increases in passenger traffic observed through March 2024, as outlined in the “Travel Trends 2024” report. This comprehensive report offers insights into the evolving landscape of the travel industry across 74 markets.

Across the Caribbean, countries with more affordable hotel options are experiencing exceptional performance in tourism, contributing to their economies’ growth as travel continues to recover.

Internationally, there has been a noticeable increase in vacation duration, rising from an average of 4.5 days in 2020 to 5.5 days in 2024. In the Caribbean region, travelers are extending their stays, with Barbados seeing an increase from an average of 7.8 to 8.5 days. This extension is attributed to factors such as affordability and favorable climate conditions.