NASSAU, BAHAMAS— The Bahamas has emerged as the clear leader in the Caribbean short-term rental (STR) market, accounting for more than a third of CARICOM’s nearly US $400 million Airbnb revenue between October 2024 and October 2025, according to CARISTATS data.
The regional STR market generated an estimated US $396 million over the 13-month period, but the gains are heavily concentrated in just four destinations. Following The Bahamas’ US $148.6 million haul, or 37.5 percent of the regional total, Jamaica earned $80.8 million, or 20 percent, Belize $53.4 million, and Barbados $51.3 million. Together, these four countries represent 84 percent of all STR revenue across the 15 CARICOM nations analyzed.
CARISTATS, a data journalism newsletter focused on the Caribbean region, also highlights Airbnb pricing trends. Nassau recorded the highest average daily rate for two-bedroom rentals across 14 CARICOM capitals at $345, ahead of Bridgetown ($181) and Port of Spain ($173), with a regional average of $133. Mid-sized markets such as Antigua and Barbuda ($23.2 million) and Saint Lucia ($13 million) occupy a middle tier, while smaller economies like Montserrat ($123,700), Haiti ($175,200), and Dominica ($487,000) earned only marginal revenue.
The disparity in short-term rental performance across the Caribbean reflects differences in tourism infrastructure, flight accessibility, and destination marketing. Larger, well-connected destinations are better positioned to attract both short- and long-term visitors, helping to drive higher occupancy rates and premium daily rates. In contrast, smaller territories often remain niche markets, with limited listings and lower revenue potential, despite growing interest in short-term rentals as an alternative to traditional accommodations.
