VRBO Caribbean

The second half of 2003 found the Caribbean tourism market in gradual recovery from the compound shocks of the 9/11 attacks, the 2001 recession, the Iraq War, and the SARS health scare that had suppressed international leisure travel through the first half of the year. Jamaica’s villa rental agencies were cautiously rebuilding bookings, and VRBO continued to grow its Caribbean listing inventory as the internet-based distribution model consolidated its position as the primary channel for vacation rental marketing.

The first half of 2003 was one of the most challenging periods the Caribbean vacation rental industry had faced in years. The US-led invasion of Iraq in March 2003 compounded the post-9/11 suppression of American international travel, and the SARS outbreak created additional health-related travel anxiety through the spring. Jamaica’s villa rental market navigated these headwinds while VRBO continued to grow as the principal internet distribution platform for Caribbean vacation rental properties.