Bahamas Looks to Tap Charter Yacht Market

The Bahamas is looking to tap into the increasingly popular charter yacht market, as demand for the industry continues to grow.

Accordingly, the destination held a special Bahamas Charter Yacht Show in West Palm Beach this week. 

The two-day, charter broker-only show was organized by the Association of Bahamas Marinas in partnership with the country’s Ministry of Tourism and the International Yacht Berokres Association. 

More than 80 of the top charter brokers who book charters to The Bahamas attended, along with yachts ranging in size from 78 to 213 feet. 

Exhibitors ranged from the Staniel Cay Yacht Club to the Abaco Beach Resort, among others. 

“As COVID cases here in the United States decline daily, and as more and more businesses begin to reopen and persons prepare to travel again, we want to remind you and your guests that The Bahamas, blessed with great beauty, diversity and geography is open for business,” said Bahamas Tourism Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar, who was on hand for the event. “Our entry protocols are quick and easy and we are ready to share our hospitality with you.”

According to Joseph Dargavage, Vice President of The Bahamas Association of Marinas, the pandemic has led to more brokers adding The Bahamas to their schedules. 

“We have seen an increase in enquiries and charter yacht bookings to the destination like never before,” he said. “We are only beginning to scratch the surface of the potential revenue that yacht chartering can provide to us. The Bahamas is still in its infancy stage in this charter arena and, based on feedback and interest shown in The Bahamas destination, I expect yacht charter business in The Bahamas to grow five-fold within the next five years.”

— CJ