By the Caribbean Journal staff

The Bahamas is seeing very strong tourism growth in the Out Islands, according to new data from the country’s Ministry of Tourism.

The Out Islands, beyond the country’s traditional tourism hubs in Nassau and Grand Bahama, have seen a significant 20 percent increase in visitor arrivals between January and August of 2018, according to a statement.

Greenwood Beach on Cat Island in The Bahamas.

That includes both air and sea arrivals, a big boost for destinations like Abaco, Harbour Island and Cat Island, among others.

That’s also leading to renewed interest in the destination by investors, according to Bahamas Tourism Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar.

Harbour Island.

That’s “evidenced by a deeper stake in our destination being secured by the leading cruise lines; the construction of boutique resorts throughout our islands; the building and expansion of marinas and the coming on stream of a whole gamut of new touristic offerings,” D’Aguilar said.

“There is an ever-increasing desire for our destination among travel consumers; more and more people are coming to experience The Bahamas, and the majority of our guests are leaving with a good level of satisfaction about their vacation experience,” he said. “They are sharing their experiences and we are delighted to see our destination being recognized internationally with another award. They are sharing their experience.”

— CJ