Researchers Receive Caribbean Tourism Intelligence Award
Dalano DaSouza and Dr. Dennis McCall Jr. were honored for their study on shifts in regional travel patterns.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Travel — General
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The inaugural Caribbean Tourism Intelligence Award was presented to Dalano DaSouza and Dr. Dennis McCall Jr. for their research on regional tourism trends. The award recognizes their work examining why travelers are opting for international trips over intra-Caribbean destinations.
Why it matters
The study highlights shifting travel behaviors that could impact the economic vitality of the Caribbean tourism sector. By identifying the primary drivers behind regional travel substitution, the research provides a foundation for addressing barriers to local tourism growth.
The researchers analyzed travel decisions using data from 1,103 Caribbean nationals across 23 jurisdictions. Their work identifies how airfare costs, visa requirements, taxes, and flight availability influence the choice between regional and international travel.
The players
Dalano DaSouza
He serves as the Director of Research, Statistics and Data Analytics at the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank.
Dr. Dennis McCall Jr.
He is a Senior Lecturer based at Teesside University in the United Kingdom.
The details
Presented at the 2026 State of the Tourism Industry Conference, the winning paper titled 'Decline of the Regional Traveler? Investigating New Factors Driving Substitution of Intra-Caribbean Tourism with International Travel' explores why regional movement is changing. It specifically looks at how migration patterns, economic constraints, and logistics alter where citizens choose to travel.
Timeline
The State of the Tourism Industry Conference took place in Guyana from October 5 to 9, 2026.
Travel Outlook
The award-winning research extends the scope of the State of the Tourism Industry Conference by quantifying the behavioral factors currently reshaping regional travel demand. This study marks a shift toward data-driven policy planning as Caribbean nations face increased competition from global tourism markets.
Travelers may benefit from future policy changes as regional authorities use this data to address high airfare costs and visa requirements. Understanding these barriers helps tourists better navigate the logistical challenges of island hopping within the Caribbean.
The takeaway
Travelers and policymakers should recognize that regional tourism is highly sensitive to logistical hurdles like flight connectivity and tax structures. Improving these areas remains essential for maintaining the Caribbean as a preferred destination for its own residents.
Further reading
For more on evolving tourism trends, visit the Travel — General section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Thevincentian.
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Is it becoming easier for residents to travel between different countries in the Caribbean region?
