As questions circulate among travelers following recent developments near Venezuela, Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) President Sanovnik Destang is setting the record straight.
In this exclusive Q&A, Destang addresses common misconceptions, explains why Caribbean destinations continue to operate normally, and outlines how travel advisors can reassure clients, reinforce trust and confidently sell the region during a strong booking window.
1. What misinformation or assumptions are you seeing most often from travelers right now?
There’s definitely been an understandable confusion with some travelers wondering whether recent developments in Venezuela could affect the broader Caribbean. In reality, the situation involved temporary airspace restrictions related to U.S. military activity near Venezuela, not from safety issues in Caribbean destinations themselves. Airlines made brief routing adjustments out of an abundance of caution, and those changes are no longer impacting airlift to Caribbean destinations.
The Caribbean is a vast and diverse region, spanning dozens of destinations across thousands of miles, each with its own operating environment. In moments like this, regional context is especially important, as travel advisories and operational guidance are issued on a destination-by-destination basis rather than across the region as a whole.
2. What are some reassuring points travel advisors should share with concerned clients?
The most important message is that Caribbean destinations are open and operating normally. Resorts, airports and tourism services across the region continue to welcome travelers just as they always do. Any short-term flight adjustments were tied to aviation-authority airspace orders, not to conditions on the ground, and travelers are continuing to enjoy their stays without disruption across the Caribbean.
3. Why is now still a strong time to book Caribbean travel?
The Caribbean remains one of the world’s most reliable and well-established leisure regions, with strong hospitality infrastructure and year-round airlift. That diversity means travelers can choose from beach escapes, culturally-rich destinations, nature-forward islands and family-friendly resorts.
Destinations across the Caribbean remain open and welcoming guests as usual, making this a strong time for travelers looking to escape winter weather or plan for spring and summer travel.
4. Which Caribbean destinations are being incorrectly grouped in media or social conversations about Venezuela?
We’re seeing Venezuela sometimes included in the broader conversations about the Caribbean, largely because it borders the Caribbean Sea. At the same time, we’re seeing neighboring destinations swept into a single narrative based on geography.
The truth is, the Caribbean is a well-established region made up of many distinct destinations, each operating independently. In moments like this, regional context is especially important, as airline and airport adjustments were related specifically to airspace near Venezuela, not to conditions within these Caribbean destinations themselves.
5. How can advisors turn this moment into an opportunity to educate clients and reinforce trust?
This is a moment where travel advisors can really demonstrate their expertise and value. By helping clients understand the geography, how airspace restrictions work and where official information comes from, they can replace fear with clarity. Advisors can also guide clients toward reliable sources, monitor flights and explain options like re-routing or travel insurance.
