From a boom in Grand Bahama to continued growth in islands like Abaco, Andros and Cat Island, The Bahamas is in the midst of a tourism renaissance, according to new data from the country’s Ministry of Tourism. 

Last year, foreign air arrivals to The Bahamas grew by 17 percent, with a total of 1.719 million visitors — compared to 1.47 million in 2022. 

That was part of a total of 9.65 million visitors, including 7.93 million cruise passengers — adding up to a record-breaking number of visitors to The Bahamas last year. 

The growth was across the board: Nassau Paradise Island saw a 36 percent increase in visitors; Grand Bahama experienced a 44 percent jump; and the Out Islands saw a 40 percent jump overall combining sea and air visitors. 

“The Bahamas has not only surpassed its targets but has set new benchmarks in the tourism industry,” said Bahamas Deputy Prime Minister and Tourism Minister Chester Cooper. ““These figures are a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in our tourism sector, the irresistible charm of our islands and the friendliness of our people.”

Cooper said the record-breaking growth was a “clear indication of The Bahamas’ position as a top-tier destination for travelers seeking unparalleled experiences.”

It’s part of a continued post-pandemic resurgence for a country that is both the most popular cruise in the hemisphere and one of the top stayover hotspots in the wider Caribbean. 

The growth comes as The Bahamas has had a particularly strong year attracting new airlift, both from traditional source market strongholds like Miami and Charlotte to landmark new air service from West Coast cities like Seattle and Los Angeles. For its part, LAX now has two routes to Nassau, on both JetBlue and Alaska Airlines.

“As The Bahamas continues to welcome visitors with open arms, we look forward to building on this momentum,” said Latia Duncombe, director general of The Bahamas’ Ministry of Tourism. “With our commitment to excellence and innovation in the tourism sector, The Bahamas is poised for even greater success in the years to come.”

The success of a major destination is a positive sign for the Caribbean, where many hoteliers and tourism officials continue to tell Caribbean Journal of what they see as a region-wide travel boom right now.