Bonaire has officially completed its “recovery” from the pandemic, finishing off a stellar 2022 with more visitors than in 2019. 

The Dutch Caribbean hotspot reported an increase of 12,394 visitors over 2019, exceeding pre-pandemic levels. 

In fact, December 2022 was the best-performing month of the year, ensuring the island finished off the year on a high note. 

The recovery is the result of “strong pent-up demand, improved confidence levels, the lifting of restrictions in source countries, and an increasing airlift to the island boosted results,” according to a statement from Tourism Corporation Bonaire. 

“2022 was a watershed year showing a strong rebound and recovery of the tourism sector,” said Miles Mercera, CEO of Tourism Corporation Bonaire. “TCB recognizes and applauds the partnership and commitment of all stakeholders in realizing these results and remains committed to continue to pursue a sustainable tourism industry focusing on authenticity, culture, and Bonaire’s unique identity.”

The Netherlands continues to be the island’s strongest source market, although the United States market is a continued force, accounting for 26 percent of all visits to the island. 

Bonaire’s cruise industry also showed growth, with cruise passenger totals at 66 percent of pre-pandemic levels, for a total of 304,298 last year. 

The island has high hopes for 2023, with continued strong projections and the return of popular events like Bonaire Rum Week in June.