Before Covid-19 struck, locking down the entire world in the first quarter of 2020, travel and tourism was one of the most significant economic sectors around the globe, providing jobs and revenues for millions of people.
The pandemic decimated the entire sector, forcing hotels to close their doors and countries to shut their borders. The economies of the tourism-dependent Caribbean islands – known for their turquoise-coloured waters, glowing sunsets, white sand beaches, lush greenery and addictive carnivals – suffered gravely.
Whether tourism will be able to recover completely by the end of the year is still in the balance, particularly given the uncertainty created by the war in Ukraine. Still, we have to hope that this year we will once again be able to head to the islands and relax under a palm tree with a long, cool drink in one hand, as we watch the sun go down to the sweet sounds of steelpan and soca.
It’s beyond time to return and hug our nearest and dearest, let our hair down and feel the warm Caribbean sand between our toes without a care in the world.
If that’s got you dreaming, here’s a selection of soca holiday packages you can book right now.
Melé Destinations
28 April – 2 May 2022
You are invited to get away for five days and four nights with soca star Machel Montano and other top artists at the Moon Palace Resort in Cancún, Mexico. Expect an overflow of a variety of food and drinks from bars and restaurants. The package includes accommodation, meals, minibars in rooms and non-motorised water sports.
Info | meledestinations.com
Ibiza Soca Festival
12 – 16 May 2022
From 12 to 16 May, partygoers will throng the Mediterranean island of Ibiza for the annual Ibiza Soca Festival, ready to enjoy a fun-filled long weekend in full Caribbean style. Artists billed to perform at the five-day festival include Nadia Batson, Problem Child and Mr Killa.
Info | ibizasoca.com
Soca Mazza 2022
16-20 June 2022
After recording two sold-out events in Amsterdam, Europe’s craziest soca holiday is making its way to the beautiful island of Gran Canaria for four days and nights of sunshine bliss and non-stop partying. You’ll enjoy soca music from selected artists and DJs including DJ Vibes, DJ Guff Nuff and DJ QT 2hype. Don’t miss out on the fun – book now.
Info | www.socamazza.com
Soca Wkndr 2022 – Portugal
13 – 17 October 2022
Europe’s numero uno soca weekender will be hosted in Albufeira, Portugal, and it promises to brim with rum, your favourite soca hits, beautiful sunsets and a lot of partying.
Info | www.socawkndr.com
Small Island Soca Cruise
13-18 November 2022
Departing from Philipsburg, St Maarten, this organiser’s inaugural sail is a six-day cruise themed ‘Celebrate the Colors of the Caribbean!’ In true soca style, more than 50 artists will be getting holidaymakers wining and jumping to back-to-back soca hits.
