Kingston.– Summer tourism could be grim for some Caribbean destinations, but early signs are that a recovery could begin in the autumn and winter.

British Airways has just announced new or additional flights to five island destinations from the fall, citing demand. The American low-cost carrier Jet Blue is also starting services to three Caribbean countries.

St. Lucia's Tourism Minister Allen Chastenet says that much hard work is still required to lift the region as a whole out of a downturn.  

Europe's largest tour operator says Jamaica and the Dominican Republic appear robust for the summer. The company said it had seen a significant increase in popularity of Jamaica in the last few weeks, with sales up 30%.