It was a very strong first half for tourism in The Bahamas, according to the newest data released to Caribbean Journal by the Ministry of Tourism. 

The destination is reporting a 14 percent increase in foreign air arrivals so far in 2024, compared to the same period in 2023. 

Combined with cruise passengers, the country has seen more than 5.7 million visitors so far this year. 

That comes after a 2023 calendar year when The Bahamas received 1.7 million stayover visitors – an all-time record for the destination. 

Overall, The Bahamas reported almost 10 million visitors last year, a 33 percent climb over the banner year of 2019, before the onset of the pandemic. 

“Apart from the recent launch of direct flights from major markets across the U.S. to not only Nassau but across the destination, the continued expansion of our cruise ports and the beautification of downtown, among other strategic developments, all solidify The Bahamas’ place as a leading tourist destination,” said Bahamas Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism Chester Cooper.