Caribbean / Mexico / Hawaii - More or Less Demand for 2018/19?

[dioxide45]

We were considering going to Aruba in September/October 2018. What do you think demand may be for Caribbean islands and other locations in 2018 and 2019, even outside of hurricane season. The devastation on many of the islands will probably keep people away from them for years to come. Do you think that will create more demand in the other Caribbean islands and perhaps Mexico, or will people probably avoid them since geography isn't a strong point for many Americans? What about Hawaii?

Aruba is traditionally outside of the hurricane belt, but do many people even know that or think about that when booking Aruba? Will more people try to book in to other islands like Aruba, Hawaii and the Bahamas since the USVI, Sint Maartin and Puerto Rico are probably off the list for a few years?

I understand that these islands need tourists to return, but history has proven that it can take years, even a decade for tourism to return to previous levels after devastating storms like these. I don't suspect that these people are going to stop traveling, they are just going to find other destinations. Will that drive up prices for other locations? Will Florida see more or less demand, even though they were impacted?

With some cruise lines moving itineraries it does seem that the cruise industry will perhaps take a big hit also. Some lines have switched all sailings for the remainder of the year to Western Caribbean. It seems to perhaps be impacting prices downward since limited ports aren't aren't as appealing and people may start to tire of the same ports until those impacted by these horrible storms can back up and running.

 

[RNCollins]

There were dozens of timeshares and resorts on St Maarten/St Martin that were injured and destroyed. Owners will be looking for new places in the Caribbean to go for vacation. The Bahamas made it out of harms way with this round of hurricanes... There is a new big Resort near Nassau called Baha Mar that could accommodate a lot of people.
http://bahamar.com/

 

[Ty1on]

I've been think about this....that the damaged resorts will put pressure on areas that weren't as affected, like Yucatan, Aruba, Bahams etc., driving prices up at those locations, at least through next summer.

 

[taterhed]

Let's hope the Yucatan doesn't get belted in the next 2 years.....

I think you'll see a resurgence in Mexico.... Lot's of troubles getting into the Caribbean the next few years.

 

[classiclincoln]

I was talking with the realtor who handles our condo in Aruba. He told me that they have been very busy with inquiries from people who now want to go to Aruba. I'm sure the same thing holds true for the other islands that are below the hurricane belt. With all the destruction "up north", the "southern" islands will probably see a huge uptick; quite possibly Hawaii too.

 

[WalnutBaron]

We have noticed that demand for our two condo units in Ko Olina (Oahu) has increased considerably over the past 3 weeks. We're particularly seeing more inquiries--and bookings--from folks who reside on the East Coast and the Midwest.

 

[WalnutBaron]

In an article in today's Wall Street Journal, a report states that the tourism industry in Puerto Rico "will be moribund for the indefinite future" and that the few hotels operating or soon-to-be-operating will prosper mainly as temporary living quarters for relief and recovery workers and displaced residents.