From a growth in Grand Bahama to continued development in islands like Abaco, Andros and Cat Island, The Bahamas is within the midst of a tourism renaissance, in keeping with new information from the nation’s Ministry of Tourism.
Final yr, international air arrivals to The Bahamas grew by 17 p.c, with a complete of 1.719 million guests — in comparison with 1.47 million in 2022.
That was a part of a complete of 9.65 million guests, together with 7.93 million cruise passengers — including as much as a record-breaking variety of guests to The Bahamas final yr.
The expansion was throughout the board: Nassau Paradise Island noticed a 36 p.c enhance in guests; Grand Bahama skilled a 44 p.c soar; and the Out Islands noticed a 40 p.c soar general combining sea and air guests.
“The Bahamas has not solely surpassed its targets however has set new benchmarks within the tourism business,” mentioned Bahamas Deputy Prime Minister and Tourism Minister Chester Cooper. ““These figures are a testomony to the onerous work and dedication of everybody concerned in our tourism sector, the irresistible appeal of our islands and the friendliness of our folks.”
Cooper mentioned the record-breaking development was a “clear indication of The Bahamas’ place as a top-tier vacation spot for vacationers in search of unparalleled experiences.”
It’s a part of a continued post-pandemic resurgence for a rustic that’s each the preferred cruise within the hemisphere and one of many prime stayover hotspots within the wider Caribbean.
The expansion comes as The Bahamas has had a very sturdy yr attracting new airlift, each from conventional supply market strongholds like Miami and Charlotte to landmark new air service from West Coast cities like Seattle and Los Angeles. For its half, LAX now has two routes to Nassau, on each JetBlue and Alaska Airways.
“As The Bahamas continues to welcome guests with open arms, we stay up for constructing on this momentum,” mentioned Latia Duncombe, director normal of The Bahamas’ Ministry of Tourism. “With our dedication to excellence and innovation within the tourism sector, The Bahamas is poised for even larger success within the years to return.”
The success of a significant vacation spot is a optimistic signal for the Caribbean, the place many hoteliers and tourism officers proceed to inform Caribbean Journal of what they see as a region-wide journey growth proper now.