A long-term forecast from the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) in 2010 predicted 1.4 billion international arrivals by 2020. Reaching it two years ahead of forecast is due in part to stronger economic growth, greater visa facilitation and more affordable air travel, the report said.

Tourism to the Middle East and Africa grew above the six percent world average, year over year, with a 10 percent increase in the Middle East and a seven percent jump in Africa. Asia and the Pacific and Europe both grew by six percent.

The Americas saw growth below the world average, with a three percent increase. In the Americas, international arrivals in Central America and the Caribbean both dropped by two percent. The Caribbean was hard-hit by impacts from the September 2017 hurricanes Irma and Maria.

The UNWTO forecast for international tourism in 2019 is expected to be more in line with historical growth trends of three to four percent.

In the Caribbean, tourism officials are upbeat about 2019 and confidently expect another year of positive growth bolstered by increased airlift, improved sales, ongoing investments in hotel upgrades and refurbishments, and new properties coming on stream.

The fourth annual CHTA Industry Performance and Outlook Study, has indicated that 85 percent of the hotels surveyed expressed optimism about the year, citing a continuation of the positive performance many experienced in 2018.

Increased capital investments are paying dividends for 61 percent of hotels, while strong revenues are generating new hires by 47 percent of respondents. Another 44 percent are maintaining existing employment levels. Seventy-six percent of hoteliers have reported increased revenue with 29 percent registering significant growth.