Discover the Caribbean on World Tourism Day
Caribbean destinations where you can celebrate World Tourism Day:
- What is World Tourism Day?
- Jamaica: music, nature and adventure
- Punta Cana: relaxation and seaside entertainment
- Riviera Maya: Mayan culture and the Caribbean
The 27th of September every year we celebrate World Tourism Day; a day that invites usOn to discover new destinations, connect with different cultures, and create memories that will stay with us forever.
Because travelling is far more than simply changing scenery; it’s a way of having new experiences, sharing moments together, and rediscovering the world from a different perspective.
And if there’s one place that can cater to any type of traveller, it’s the Caribbean. Whether you’re looking for an adventure-filled holiday, a romantic getaway, a few days of relaxation by the sea, or an unforgettable family holiday, you’ll find a destination that’s just right for you.
Whether it’s the white sand beaches of Punta Cana, the natural and cultural richness of the Riviera Maya, or the unmistakable rhythm of Jamaica, every corner of the Caribbean offers a unique way of enjoying this corner of paradise.
This World Tourism Day we invite you to pick a destination and let yourself be surprised by everything the Caribbean has in store for you.
What is World Tourism Day?
World Tourism Day is celebrated on the 27th of September every year as a day for recognising the importance of tourism around the world.
More than just travelling per se, this commemoration is designed to highlight the impact that tourism has on culture, the economy, community development, and the connections among people from all over the world.
It is also an invitation to travel more mindfully by appreciating the destinations we visit, respecting their environment, engaging with their culture, and understanding that every travel experience leaves a mark, both on the traveller and on the place they visit.
Celebrating tourism means celebrating curiosity, diversity, and that wonderful sense of excitement that arises when we discover a new landscape, a new tradition, or a different way of experiencing life.
Jamaica: Music, Nature & Adventure
Jamaica is a destination that awakens the senses through its vibrant culture, breathtaking landscapes, and unmistakable rhythm.
From white-sand beaches and cascading waterfalls to lush mountains and lively towns, the island offers experiences that appeal to every type of traveler. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, adventure, romance, or authentic cultural immersion, Jamaica delivers unforgettable moments at every turn.
Renowned for its warm hospitality, world-famous cuisine, reggae heritage, and diverse natural beauty, it’s a destination where every journey becomes a story worth sharing.
Family adventure: discover Dunn’s River Falls
One of Jamaica’s most iconic attractions, Dunn’s River Falls offers an unforgettable adventure for the whole family.
Climb the terraced waterfalls together, cool off in the refreshing natural pools, and enjoy the surrounding tropical scenery.
With guided climbs suitable for all ages and nearby beaches to relax afterwards, it’s the perfect combination of excitement, nature, and quality family time.
If you click here, you’ll discover more things to do in Jamaica with children and the family.
Couples experience: a sunset catamaran cruise along the Negril coast
Few experiences are as romantic as sailing along Jamaica’s stunning western coastline as the sun sets over the Caribbean Sea.
Couples can enjoy breathtaking ocean views, stop for snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, and toast the evening with tropical cocktails while listening to reggae music.
It’s the perfect way to celebrate a honeymoon, anniversary, babymoon, or simply reconnect in one of the Caribbean’s most beautiful destinations.
We’ve got more tips for you in this other article: Jamaica for couples: the ideal Caribbean getaway.
Friends getaway: experience Rick’s Café & Negril’s legendary sunset
For groups of friends, no trip to Jamaica is complete without an evening at the world-famous Rick’s Café in Negril.
Perched atop dramatic seaside cliffs, this iconic destination combines live reggae music, vibrant island energy, spectacular sunsets, and the thrill of watching the famous cliff divers.
It’s the ideal place to embrace Jamaica’s lively spirit, create unforgettable memories, and experience the island’s legendary nightlife together.
In this other post, we recommend more things to do with friends in Jamaica.
Punta Cana: relaxation and seaside entertainment
When we think of Punta Cana we imagine picture-perfect white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and palm trees.
That said, this corner of the Dominican Republic offers far more than just spectacular scenery; it’s a destination where relaxation goes hand in hand with adventure; where local cuisine blends with international experiences; and where every visitor can find their own perfect way to enjoy their holiday.
The year-round warm climate, local hospitality, and wide range of available activities combine to make Punta Cana one of the Caribbean’s favourite destinations for families, couples, and groups of friends.
So whether you’re looking to relax by the sea or fill every day with new experiences, Punta Cana has something to suit all travel styles.
The perfect plan for families, with fun for all ages
Punta Cana is a genuine paradise for families, as the calm waters on the beaches mean the little ones can enjoy the sea in complete safety while the adults can relax in the knowledge that there’s plenty of activities available for everyone.
Our Princess hotels, particularly the Princess Family Club Bávaro and Tropical Deluxe Princess, feature rooms designed for families, children’s swimming pools with water parks, kids’ clubs, and children’s entertainment programmes supervised by specialist entertainment teams… so every day is destined to become a new adventure.
There’s also a wide choice of excursions, such as catamaran trips, or exploring the region’s natural beauty – experiences that the whole family will remember for years to come.
Click on this link for our selection of the best family adventures in Punta Cana.
A couples’ getaway: unforgettable moments by the sea
If there was ever a destination where romance just seems to be part of the scenery, that would be Punta Cana.
Imagine waking up by the sea, strolling along the beach at dawn, enjoying a couples’ massage, or sipping a cocktail as the sun sets…
- Private dinners on the beach (our customer service teams can help organise)
- Princess spas available at our hotels
- Suites with whirlpool bath, such as the Honeymoon Suite at the Punta Cana Princess (exclusively for adults) or the Platinum suite at the Grand Bávaro Princess
- Exclusive experiences offered by our VIP or Platinum packages (which can be purchased at the hotels on arrival)
…are just some of the services that make this the ideal destination for honeymoons, anniversaries, or simply for enjoying a few days away as a couple.
Click on the link to see some of our ideas for enjoying a romantic getaway in Punta Cana.
Travelling with friends: adventure, fun, and unforgettable nights
For those travelling in a group, Punta Cana offers a perfect blend of relaxation and entertainment.
During the day the options are virtually endless… water sports, buggy tours, snorkelling, catamaran sailing, or simply soaking up the atmosphere by the pool with a cocktail in hand.
And when evening falls the destination shifts up a gear, offering live shows, live music, bars, and a the best nightlife in Punta Cana, all designed so you can continue to share unforgettable moments.
Because the best holidays with friends always end up generating stories that are relived time and time again.
What’s more, our hotels can help you organise exciting nights out away from the hotel, such as a visit to Coco Bongo, or a night’s dancing in Punta Cana’s trendiest spots.
Here’s our guide to six things you simply must do with your friends in Punta Cana.
Riviera Maya: Mayan culture and the Caribbean
The Riviera Maya is a destination that invites visitors to discover the Caribbean from a deeper perspective through its history, its nature, and the richness of its traditions.
Every trip here can be transformed into an experience full of contrasts, where Mayan heritage coexists with natural landscapes, cenotes, local cuisine, and places brimming with character.
Travelling to the Riviera Maya is like opening the door to a region where every activity has something special to offer; from exploring ancient archaeological sites to swimming in cenotes, walking through the jungle, sampling authentic flavours, or discovering quaint villages, this destination offers a way of experiencing the Caribbean that is more cultural, more sensory-oriented, and still brimming with memorable moments.
Here are three not-to-be-missed activities.
For families: a visit to Xcaret
A day out at Xcaret is a great option for families seeking to combine nature, culture, and entertainment all in one place.
During the visit young and not-so-young alike can discover underground rivers, trails, local wildlife, cultural performances, and areas designed for leisurely exploration.
This is an ideal outing for those looking for a comprehensive, convenient, and varied experience in which every member of the family will find something to thrill them: from low-key adventures to activities that help connect them with Mexico’s natural and cultural richness.
What’s more, it’s just 30 minutes away from our family-friendly resorts such as Grand Riviera Princess or Princess Family Club Riviera.
Click on this link for more ideas on things to do in the Riviera Maya with children.
For couples: Tulum and Gran Cenote
For couples, a day trip to Tulum archaeological site followed by a visit to Gran Cenote can constitute one of the most special moments of any holiday.
The first part of the tour offers an insight into Mayan history, and includes walking among ancient ruins and discovering one of the most iconic cultural sites on the Riviera Maya.
Following this, a visit to Gran Cenote offers a moment of tranquillity in a unique natural setting that is ideal for swimming, snorkelling, or simply enjoying a break surrounded by lush vegetation and crystal-clear waters.
This is a perfect plan for those seeking an intimate, authentic experience that combines culture, nature, and time to spend together at a leisurely pace in one of the most memorable settings in the Mexican Caribbean.
The perfect romantic retreat and starting point for visiting these two attractions could be the Platinum Yucatan Princess resort, our exclusive adults-only resort right on the beach.
Click on this link for more ideas on travelling as a couple to the Riviera Maya.
For friends: a day trip on the Tren Maya to Valladolid and Ek’ Balam
For groups of friends, a more contemporary way to experience the Riviera Maya is to take a day trip to Valladolid on the Tren Maya and combine the experience with a visit to Ek’ Balam.
The adventure begins with the journey itself, as travelling by train instead of on the motorway lends the excursion a different, more relaxing vibe as well as a sense of discovering the south-eastern part of the region from a new perspective.
Once in Valladolid, the day can be spent among colourful streets and markets, colonial architecture, Yucatecan flavours, and a visit to Ek’ Balam, an archaeological site that offers a glimpse into the grandeur of Mayan culture in a less crowded setting than some of the more popular sites.
This is an ideal plan for groups of friends as it combines exercise, conversation, culture, and discovery. Rather than just being about visiting a place, it’s about experiencing the whole journey; hopping on the train, arriving in a city with its own unique character, sampling some of the local delicacies, exploring Mayan ruins, and returning with an experience that feels more contemporary, more authentic, and altogether less predictable.
Why not stay with your friends at our Grand Sunset Princess resort, where we offer a wide range of daytime and evening activities as well as a very attractive all-inclusive package.
For more ideas, here’s our guide to the six best things to do with friends in the Riviera Maya.
World Tourism Day is an invitation to view travel as something more than just going from one place to another, but rather an opportunity to reconnect with the essence of each destination, appreciate its culture, its people, and its surroundings, and to travel in a more mindful, meaningful way.
At the end of the day, travelling is a way of learning, sharing, and growing, and destinations such as the Caribbean remind us that the true value of tourism lies in everything we experience and feel along the way.
Faqs about World Tourism Day in the Caribbean
- What is World Tourism Day and why is it celebrated?
World Tourism Day is celebrated on the 27th of September every year in an effort to recognise the importance of tourism on culture, the economy, and the development of communities. It also encourages people to travel more mindfully by respecting the destinations they visit and appreciating the experiences they have on each trip.
- Depending on the type of traveller, what is the best Caribbean destination to visit?
That depends on what you’re looking for. Jamaica is renowned for its natural beauty, culture and adventure, Punta Cana combines relaxation, beaches and leisure, while the Riviera Maya offers an experience focused more on culture, nature and Mayan history.
- Which Caribbean destination is best for a family holiday?
All three destinations offer family-friendly experiences. In Jamaica, a visit to Dunn’s River Falls is a highlight, while Punta Cana offers peaceful beaches and family-friendly hotels with water parks and kids’ clubs, and in the Riviera Maya a day out at Xcaret constitutes a comprehensive activity that is perfect for the young and not-so-young alike.
- What is there to do in the Caribbean when travelling as a couple?
Each destination offers a different experience. In Jamaica, you can enjoy a sunset catamaran cruise around Negril, in Punta Cana, private dinners, spas, and special suites, and in the Riviera Maya, combine a visit to Tulum with a swim in Gran Cenote.
- What are some good plans when travelling to the Caribbean with friends?
When travelling with friends a visit to Rick’s Café is a must in Jamaica; in Punta Cana you’ll find water sports, excursions, and a lively nightlife; while in the Riviera Maya the Tren Maya is a great way to visit Valladolid and Ek’ Balam on a day trip.
- What sets Jamaica apart from other Caribbean destinations?
Jamaica stands out for combining idyllic beaches with waterfalls, mountains, a rich local culture, cuisine, and the legacy of reggae music, offering experiences for travellers of all kinds.
- Why is Punta Cana one of the Caribbean’s favourite destinations?
Because it boasts white sand beaches, a warm climate all year round, and a wide range of activities and options for families, couples and groups of friends, allowing visitors to combine relaxation, leisure and adventure.
- What’s special about travelling to the Riviera Maya?
The Riviera Maya offers a different perspective on the Caribbean by combining Mayan heritage, cenotes, nature, cuisine, and charming villages, making it an all-inclusive destination for those seeking more than just a beach holiday.
- ¿What activities do Princess hotels recommend as a means of getting to know the Caribbean better?
The article suggests experiences tailored to each destination, such as visiting Dunn’s River Falls in Jamaica, enjoying excursions and activities in Punta Cana, or exploring Xcaret, Tulum, Gran Cenote, Valladolid and Ek’ Balam when visiting the Riviera Maya.
- What’s meaningful about travelling to the Caribbean on World Tourism Day?
Travelling to the Caribbean on this date is a way of celebrating tourism as an opportunity for discovering new cultures, enjoying authentic experiences, and travelling more mindfully by appreciating both the destinations and the people who make them unique.
Categories: Caribbean, Travel Tips, Jamaica, Punta Cana, Riviera Maya
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