The Bahamas welcomed 12.5 million visitors in 2025, the
highest total ever recorded for the country, according to the Ministry of
Tourism, Investments & Aviation. The milestone achievement reflects “sustained
global demand, decisive leadership, and a tourism strategy delivering tangible
economic impact across the country,” said Ministry officials.
Bahamian
tourism’s outstanding performance saw visitor arrivals grow 11.4%
year-over-year, surpassing 2024’s record and exceeding pre-pandemic 2019 levels
by more than 70%. “Reaching 12.5 million visitors is a defining achievement for
The Bahamas and a clear signal of confidence in our destination, our
leadership, and our tourism strategy,” said Hon. I. Chester Cooper, deputy prime minister
and minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation.
“Tourism continues to be a powerful engine of economic
growth, delivering jobs, investment, and opportunity for Bahamians across our
islands,” said Cooper. “While we are proud of this performance, our focus
remains on sustaining growth responsibly and ensuring that the benefits of
tourism continue to strengthen communities throughout the country.”
Cruise tourism remained the Bahamas’ primary driver of
growth, accounting for 86.5% of total arrivals. Sea arrivals exceeded 10.6
million visitors, representing a 14% increase year-over-year and nearly double
2019 levels. Major ports recorded record passenger totals, with continued gains
across Nassau/Paradise Island and the Out Islands, supported by new cruise
infrastructure and enhanced partnerships with leading cruise lines.
Several islands delivered standout performances,
underscoring the breadth of tourism growth across the archipelago. Abaco
recorded its highest-ever total visitor arrivals, welcoming just south of
520,000 visitors in 2025. The total reflects “sustained demand for the island’s
distinctive Out Island experiences,” reinforcing Abaco’s long-term tourism
potential.
Grand Bahama’s 2025 tourism resurgence was driven by
expanded and sustained airlift, marking a major watershed for the island’s
economy. For the first time in more than 22 years, total arrivals surpassed one
million, reaching approximately 1.1 million through December. Air arrivals
increased 20% year-over-year compared to 2024 and exceeded pre-pandemic 2019
levels by more than 30%, which the government attributes to, “renewed airline
confidence and a strengthening stopover market.”
Grand Bahama’s airlift-driven growth has directly benefited
hotels, short-term rentals, restaurants, and on-island service providers,
reinforcing its status as one of the fastest-growing islands in The Bahamas and
the wider region.
Beyond the major gateways, tourism growth continued to
diversify across the Family Islands. Eleuthera recorded nearly 30% growth,
while Bimini and the Berry Islands continued to expand their roles as cruise
destinations. Nearly 30% of stopover visitors traveled to the Out Islands,
strengthening community-based tourism and ensuring that the benefits of growth
are shared more broadly across The Bahamas.
Air arrivals remained solid amid global aviation constraints
and weather-related disruptions. Nearly 1.7 million foreign air visitors
traveled to The Bahamas, with late-year momentum reflected in year-over-year
growth in December. Canada emerged as a bright spot, with stopover arrivals
surpassing pre-pandemic levels, supported by expanded service and strengthened
airline partnerships.
“Demand is being driven by our island offerings, strong
performance across multiple travel segments, and a destination that
consistently meets the expectations of today’s global traveler,” said Latia
Duncombe, director general of tourism.
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