Caribbean sees UK visitor numbers plunge
Countries in the Caribbean have seen UK visitor numbers fall by as much as 25% following the increase in air passenger duty (APD) last November.
The startling revelation was made by the chief executive of the Caribbean Tourism Organisation Hugh Riley, who is in London this week to try to persuade the Government to reduce APD on flights to the Caribbean.
He said that although the decline in traffic from the UK varied from country to country, several Caribbean islands had seen devastating drops.
Overall, the Caribbean saw a 12.2% fall in visitors from the UK during the first half of this year and while Riley admitted the decline was not entirely due to the increase in APD, he said it was certainly a factor.
"I am not suggesting that we can pinpoint APD as the only reason for the decrease, there is also the economy and other factors to take into consideration, however I am telling you that the majority of Caribbean countries have seen larger decreases from the UK than from anywhere else," said Riley.
While refusing to name the Caribbean country that registered the largest, 25% deficit, Riley said the same country’s overall visitor numbers were 0.2% up on last year.
"APD must be a contributory factor in the decline in visitors from the UK" he added. "It is logical that if you increase the cost of a product then you reduce demand."
Under plans announced by the Labour government, APD is due to rise again in November, pushing the cost for a family of four up by at least £100.
While Riley acknowledged it was unlikely the new Government would reverse the increase, he said he was hopeful it would shift the Caribbean into a lower tax band.
Riley, who has been joined on his trip to the UK by six minister of tourism from the Caribbean, said their goal was to persuade the Treasury to shift the Caribbean into the same tax band as the United States.
At the moment, passengers flying to the Caribbean pay from £50 to £100 tax, depending on the class of travel. From November, this will go up to £75 for an economy seat and £150 for a premium seat.
Passengers flying to the States, including Hawaii, pay from £45 to £90; from November this will increase to between £60 and £120.
"If logic prevails, passengers flying to the Caribbean will pay the same as those flying to Hawaii," said Riley. "We are going to do everything we reasonably can to make this happen."
By Linsey McNeill
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Airbnb eyes a loyalty program but details remain under wraps
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season
Major rail disruptions around and in Berlin until early 2026