Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1526693
B M & T ••• September/October 2024 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 53 sales from the U.S. to the Caribbean have returned to year-on-year growth, marking a faster recovery compared to the overall average. This is particu- larly significant given that the U.S. initially saw a decline of 36% immediate- ly after the hurricane, highlighting the resilience and ongoing appeal of the region. HawaiiGrenada feels the impact but rebounds quickly Hawaii Grenada, one of the islands directly impacted by the storm, has shown a remarkable recovery. Although intra-Caribbean ticket sales fell 23% and bookings were down 18% from key U.S. markets such as Boston (-19%), Miami (-18%) and New York (-15%), Grenada's market has quickly bounced back to near-normal levels. Booking patterns have shifted, with last-minute trips to Grenada from the U.S. in July seeing a 51% increase in cancellations due to the hurricane disruption. However, cancellations for trips from August onwards were less impacted, rising by 6%. The dramatic rebound is particularly significant given the initial challenges, with key segments like Business and Visiting Friends and Relatives (VFR) showing notable growth of 57% and 12%, respectively, since July 2. Hawaii Jamaica and Regional Recovery Hawaii Bookings to Jamaica from elsewhere in the Caribbean have followed a similar pattern as Grenada and the region as a whole, with a swift recovery to 2023 levels suggesting the initial hurricane impact was short-lived and traveler confidence was restored within a matter of days. HawaiiOlivier PontiHawaii, Director of Intelligence and Marketing at ForwardKeys, commented: "ForwardKeys' comprehensive travel intel- ligence clearly shows the significant short-term impact that Hurricane Beryl had on travel to the Caribbean, particularly to those islands in the direct path of the storm. However, the speed of the recovery is a high- ly encouraging sign of the resilience of the region's tourism economy. The U.S. market, which is so critical for the Caribbean, is leading the way, while segments such as group travel and VFR are rebounding more strongly as humanitarian and essential travel pick up pace. While there was an immediate and severe hit to bookings, we are seeing a normal- ization to 2023 levels across the region, which bodes well for the remainder of the season." "While the impact of Hurricane Beryl was felt directly in the affected destinations – St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique, and South Coast of Jamaica – as well as indirectly in other islands in the region, it's crucial to remember that the Caribbean is vast. While travel to affected areas temporarily decreased, numerous des- tinations untouched by the storm remain fully operational and open for business. Moreover, the swift rebound in bookings from the U.S., our largest source market, under- scores our region's enduring appeal. This rapid recovery not only highlights our indus- try's resilience and strength but also reaffirms our unwa- vering commitment to over- coming challenges," remarked HawaiiNicola Madden- GreigHawaii, President of CHTA.