The Caribbean is receiving an extra helping of holiday goods: Two airlines are honing in on service to two of its most popular destinations, Barbados and Curaçao.
Delta’s Expansion to the Caribbean
Delta Air Lines has resumed its non-stop service from Atlanta (ATL) to Barbados’ Grantley Adams International Airport (GAIA) for the holiday season. The direct flight from Atlanta to Barbados started on Nov. 23, with weekly service from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) set to restart on Dec. 21. These flights offer travel advisors new options for clients seeking convenient access to Barbados.
This air service expansion aligns with Barbados’ strategy to enhance accessibility from key markets and address travelers’ changing needs. The island, known for its beaches, culture, and hospitality, remains a popular destination for both leisure and business travelers, particularly during winter.
Travel advisors can leverage this information to promote Barbados as an easily accessible Caribbean destination for their clients. The resumed flights provide additional options for planning winter getaways and holiday trips. Advisors should note the specific dates for each route when arranging travel itineraries.
Barbados’ appeal as a year-round destination, especially during the colder months in North America, presents opportunities for travel professionals to boost sales and offer diverse travel experiences to their clients. The direct flights from major U.S. hubs like Atlanta and New York simplify travel planning and can be a selling point for time-conscious travelers.
For more information, visit visitbarbados.org.
Curaçao: New Flights for New Hotels
Azul Airlines has launched a new route connecting Fort Lauderdale (FLL) to Curaçao International Airport (CUR) in response to the island’s burgeoning growth. The service operates four days a week in both directions.
This follows Azul’s initial weekly route to Curaçao, launched in June 2023. The rapid expansion reflects growing interest from South Florida markets and aligns with Curaçao’s tourism strategy. Other major airlines, including Delta, JetBlue Airways, American Airlines, United Airlines, WestJet and Air Canada, have also increased their services to the island.
Curaçao’s tourism numbers are on the rise, with a 20 percent increase in stayover arrivals across markets in October 2024 compared to the previous year. The Curaçao Tourist Board reported 1,217,952 arrivals from Jan. through October 2024, a 23 percent increase from the same period last year.
The island’s hospitality sector is also expanding. The Art Hotel Curaçao will open in early 2025, and Dreams Curaçao Resort, Spa & Casino is introducing an exclusive Preferred Club with 52 new beachfront suites in Il Mare, an adults-only section. Other properties undergoing improvements include the Avila Beach Hotel, Baoase Luxury Resort, Curaçao Marriott Beach Resort, Elements Hotel & Shops Curaçao and Renaissance Wind Creek Curaçao Resort.
For more information, visit curacao.com.
