Caribbean defies negative travel warnings, visitors say they feel safe

The Caribbean continues to be a hot destination for visitors even as many countries battle with rising crime.

President of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) Nicola Madden-Greig presented data from a Mastercard survey at the Caribbean Travel Marketplace on Monday, which showed over 80 per cent of tourists felt safe during their trips to the region. 

This data comes as the governments from several source market countries have released advisories urging tourists to reconsider trips to countries such as Jamaica and The Bahamas due to crime. 

In January, Jamaica was listed as a Level Three Destination by the US State Department.

Americans were urged to “reconsider travel to Jamaica due to crime and medical services.”

Americans were urged to “reconsider travel to Jamaica due to crime and medical services.”