One year after two major hurricanes caused devastation in the region, Caribbean bookings are on the rise, reports Virtuoso.
The data revealed that 70 percent of the islands were unaffected by last year's busy hurricane season, and 90 percent of room inventory is open in the impacted region.
Holiday and winter travel is a bright spot for the Caribbean. Virtuoso travel agents report that business for January/February 2019 is 21 percent higher than January/February 2018. During the holidays, in particular, network bookings are up eight percent year over year. This means travelers planning to head to the Caribbean during the holidays should not wait to book. The Bahamas, the Dominican Republic, and Turks & Caicos are showing strong interest.
Islands affected by the hurricane are making rapid comebacks. On Anguilla, more than 70 percent of Anguilla's villas and 95 percent of restaurants have reopened. Three of the five luxury hotels, including Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla, are welcoming guests, according to the Virtuoso report.
Belmond Cap Juluca, which was closed for a $121 million renovation before the storm, is scheduled to reopen December 15.
Hard hit Puerto Rico is swiftly recovering as well and there are currently 132 lodging options with more than 10,000 rooms open, including the Hotel El Convento in Old San Juan and the historic Condado Vanderbilt Hotel.
Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve and The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort, Puerto Rico are reopening this month and most attractions are fully operational.
Andrea Filippi, vice president of global sales for Belmond, said that about 75 percent of the island of St. Martin is back up and running. Belmond La Samanna will wrap a $25 million renovation in time for winter travel season. One of the biggest concerns for the island is its hard-hit airport. However, in November, the first phase of the rebuild will be complete and 69 percent of flights will operate as usual.
In St. Barths, 70 percent of the island is open for guests, according to Martein van Wagenberg, managing director of Le Guanahani.
Beach hotels, were some of the hardest hit during the storms but are scheduled to reopen by the end of 2018. Le Guanahani, due to its location between the beach and lagoon, suffered the most damage and will reopen in late 2019.
For those traveling to the island, Virtuoso recommends routing travelers through San Juan, Puerto Rico, or schedule a boat from Anguilla or St. Martin.
British Virgin Islands' deputy director of tourism Rhodni Skelton said that that the destination suffered a 90 percent loss in tourism during the past year. A few of its more than 60 resort islands are beginning to open. Richard Branson's Necker Island is welcoming guests starting October 14; Rosewood Little Dix Bay is predicted to come back by the end of 2019, according to the Virtuoso report.
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