Zika threatens tourism growth in the Caribbean

After huge surge in tourism, officials raise concerns on how Zika virus could affect the Caribbean

According to Hugh Riley, secretary general of the Caribbean Tourism Organization, 29 million tourists visited the Caribbean in 2015, that spent $30 billion. Last year's figures surpass 2014 by 7 per cent and $1 billion. Travelers from the U.S. accounted for 50 per cent of total arrivals, with Barbados, Curacao and Trinidad and Tobago on top of the preferences list, while 5 million tourists were from Europe.

What made this possible? US economy, new airplane routes, the drop in oil prices and an excellent marketing strategy.

But the Zika virus spreading all around the Caribbean and Latin America raises concerns about tourism sector here, as foreign tourists are beginning to cancel their holidays in the affected areas.

Lately, the virus hit the US territory, Puerto Rico, Martinique and French Guiana, accounting for more than 100 confirmed and 2600 potential cases.

The current official alert for the Caribbean region is “Alert - Level 2, Practice Enhanced Precautions”, advising travelers to protect themselves by preventing mosquito bites, as there is no treatment for the disease.

Nevertheless, officials forecast that tourist arrivals will increase by 5 per cent this year, despite mosquito borne virus outbreak.