Bahamas records 14% surge in foreign and sea arrivals

It is a significant development for the tourism sector of the Bahamas, as they witnessed a notable 14% surge in foreign and sea arrivals from January to June in comparison to 2023. This growth marks the welcoming of more than 5.7 million visitors to the country in first-half of 2024.

As per the data, Bahamas has been witnessing a record-breaking growth as they welcomed around 10 million visitors to the country in 2023. This surge in the number of visitors marks a huge rise of 38% as compared to 2022 and 33% increase in contrast to 2019.

In 2023, the island nation recorded a 17% increase in foreign arrivals, welcoming 1.7 million visitors and 43.5% growth in the sea arrivals, bringing over 7.9 million passengers to the country.

While shedding light on these figures, the authorities of Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation, Latia Duncombe stated that the year 2024 is continuing with the trend and has continuously displaying exceptional performance in terms of tourism.

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investment and Aviation, Chester Cooper shed light on the figures and stated that Bahamas has been continuing to experience a significant surge in the arrival of visitors.

He added that this growth encompasses to both cruise and land-based stays which highlights a vibrant growth trajectory and reinforcing the island nation’s status as a leading global travel destination.

The tourism minister continued to say that they have implemented several strategies with a vision to further elevate the tourism sector of the country to greater heights.

He added that they are planning to launch direct flights from major markets across the U.S. to not only Nassau but across the destination, with a vision to make Bahamas the leading tourist destination.

Moreover, he also emphasised a lineup of new developments that will take place in the country in order to enhance the tourism sector of the country.

He stated that they are collaborating with Royal Caribbean, MSC Cruises and the ITM Group to develop a new cruise port and water park on Grand Bahama Island. Along with that, he also emphasised on the opening of Pearl Cove Beach Club in 2025.

Minister Cooper also highlighted the major air support from leading carriers such as Delta, American, Southwest, and regional carriers such as Tradewind, Tropic Airways, Makers Air and many more.

He stated that they have also added new flights from New York, Orlando, Los Angeles, Charlotte, Atlanta, Fort Lauderdale, Miami and Dallas, in support of the upcoming holiday and winter season with a vision to welcome travellers from all over the world.

Also, Bahamas will host State of the Tourism Industry Conference at the Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa from 2^nd September to 6^th September 2024. This event will play a huge role in bringing together leading regional and global experts, visionaries, decision-makers, and influencers to make strategic initiatives in order to promote sustainable growth in the tourism sector.