Bonaire Caribbean Dutch Hotspot
The Brass Boer at the Delfins Beach Resort in Bonaire.
News

Bonaire Is the New Hotspot of the Dutch Caribbean 

By: Alexander Britell - February 22, 2023

When Johnny and Therese Boer of the three-Michelin-star Die Librije opened a restaurant in Bonaire five years ago, it wasn’t just a massive moment for the Caribbean culinary scene. 

The opening of the Brass Boer was a nod to the growing import of Bonaire, both as a food Mecca and as a travel destination.

Half a decade later, the Brass Boer is the number one ranked restaurant in the Caribbean — and the island of Bonaire is one of the hottest places to visit anywhere in the Caribbean. 

From its dynamic food movement to its annual Rum Week to its position as the best scuba and snorkeling destination in the Caribbean, Bonaire continues to draw a broad collection of travelers to a place that has quickly become the Dutch Caribbean’s most sought after place to visit. 

It’s a significant step forward for an island that for decades has been something of a well-kept secret as compared to larger neighboring islands like Aruba and Curacao.

Now, though, travelers are appreciating the diversity and quality of the island’s tourism product — and its unrivaled natural environment.

caribbean islands bonaire
The Bellafonte Bonaire resort in Bonaire.

But it’s not just strong word of mouth — the island is seeing record-breaking arrivals, too. 

Last year, Bonaire surpassed its pre-pandemic numbers by 37 percent. The outlook for the first half of this year is just as strong, with projections for double-digit growth over last year., according to data from travel data firm ForwardKeys. 

“We are extremely grateful to see the results of 2022 and the outlook for 2023. Tourism Recovery was our main focus with specific objectives such as the shift in the type of travelers,” said Miles Mercera, CEO of Tourism Corporation Bonaire.

bonaire-belgium-flights
The Delfins Beach Resort in Bonaire.

The island is also attracting new categories of travelers, including more “premium cabin-class” passengers, and more families who are staying on the island longer, according to ForwardKeys. 

Longer stays in Bonaire are 8 percent ahead of 2019 levels, the firm said. 

Caribbean Hotspot Bonaire
The “1,000 Steps” snorkeling site in Bonaire.

“Flight connectivity and seat capacity remain a key aspect of recovery. We feel that Bonaire will only grow in popularity in 2023 with enhanced connectivity to key markets such as the USA and key growing European markets such as the UK and France,” adds Juan Gomez, Head of Market Intelligence at ForwardKeys.

Bonaire Rum Week
Bonaire Rum Week is the island’s annual celebration of culinary and spirits culture.

The island expects its strong growth to continue into the second half of the year. 

Bonaire kicks off its summer season with the uber-popular Bonaire Rum Week, an annual celebration of premium rum at hotels and eateries across the island. You can learn more about Bonaire Rum Week here. 

For more, visit Bonaire Island

Popular Posts

A.R. Carnegie, 74, Caribbean Legal Legend

A Caribbean Journal Editorial He was never a judge, never a Queen’s Counsel. His robes were never silk. But A. Ralph Carnegie was a Caribbean John Marshall if there ever was one. Ralph Carnegie, A.R. in scholarly texts, passed away […]


Robinson: Manatt Approached Government

Lackston Robinson, Jamaica’s Deputy Solicitor General, testified that it was the law firm Manatt, Phelps and Phillips, and not the Jamaican Government/Jamaica Labour Party, that made the first move to solicit a contract to lobby the White House, he told […]


IMF Back in Antigua on Performance Review

The International Monetary Fund has sent a team to Antigua for a third review of the nation’s performance on a stand-by arrangement with the IMF. According to the Ministry of Finance, the IMF team began the review Monday and will […]


Related Posts sandals st vincent with mountain in background

Sandals' New Caribbean All-Inclusive Will Have Overwater Villas

Sandals Resorts International is opening its newest Sandals in the Caribbean next year, with the debut of the new Sandals St Vincent. St Vincent and the Grenadines will be Sandals’ ninth destination in the Caribbean; the property will be the […]


The Bahamas and Qatar Just Signed an Air Services Agreement

bahamas qatar

The Bahamas has signed an air services agreement with the government of Qatar. Bahamas Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism Chester Cooper and Minister of Transport Jassim Saif Ahmed Al-Sulaiti signed the agreement, part of a broader plan for […]


Four Seasons Yachts Will Launch in the Caribbean

four seasons yachts

Following the debut of Ritz-Carlton’s new luxury cruise line, Four Seasons is set to launch its own boutique line, one that will begin operations in the Caribbean. Four Seasons Yachts will kick off its inaugural season in 2025-2026 with winter […]


SUBSCRIBE!

Sign up for Caribbean Journal's free newsletter for a daily dose of beaches, hotels, rum and the best Caribbean travel information on the net.


No. Thank You