Surging Tourism in the Bahamas May Set New Records in 2023
First Seven Months of the Year Saw 59% Jump Compared to 2022, and Things Aren’t Slowing Down
Thriving tourism numbers so far in 2023 show The Bahamas is outpacing pre-pandemic visits to the nation as more people than ever discover the many reasons to visit this island paradise. For Bahamas tourism, things are on track for 2023 to be a record-breaking year.
Data from the Ministry of Tourism shows that for the first seven months of the year, about 5.9 million visitors came to The Bahamas — 1.1 million by air and 4.8 by sea. That’s up 59% compared to the July year-to-date arrivals in 2002 and even 30% higher than in 2019, which holds the record for busiest tourism year in the country.
The latest numbers contained several other interesting insights into what’s driving this record pace, including the 951,311 arrivals in March — making it the busiest arrivals month ever for The Bahamas. Tourist spending is also up this year.
Bahamas Tourism: A Look at the Numbers
More than 60% of this year’s visitors were in The Bahamas for the first time, and Nassau and Paradise Island hotels reported strong occupancy rates that top the rates for 2019 and 2022.
While the vast majority of visitors — 90% — hail from the United States, visitors from Canada, the United Kingdom, and Europe also are driving this year’s record pace, as well as increasing numbers of people from Latin America. About 70% of all stopover visitors came to the country for a vacation, while 15% said they were there for weddings and honeymoons, 6% visited to play in casinos, and 4% said they were traveling for business.
If things continue the rest of this year, 2023 could end with a tally of more than 8 million total visitors, according to officials.
What’s Behind the Boom in Bahamas Tourism?
Government officials attributed this year’s record pace so far to cooperation between tourism industry professionals and stakeholders as well as the government to revitalize the tourism industry following the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as improved infrastructure and destinations throughout the nation.
This year’s stellar start to tourism numbers, including a strong summer, was forecast much earlier this year, when a report found a 48% increase in booked flights for June to August 2023 compared to the summer of 2019. At the time, experts said low season in The Bahamas was quickly becoming a thing of the past.
One big driver of the growth of Bahamas tourism is a growing number of world-class facilities and amenities on the islands, including Hurricane Hole Superyacht Marina right on Paradise Island. Surrounded by the bustling new downtown of Paradise Island, Paradise Landing, Hurricane Hole is recognized as a top Bahamas marina due to its state-of-the-art features, ability to accommodate yachts of all sizes, and things like its status as the first and only marina in The Bahamas to offer in-slip fueling for yachts and superyachts.
It’s not just the biggest and best yachts at Hurricane Hole Superyacht Marina — this top facility is also the best place for transient boat slip rentals in The Bahamas. With top security features and infrastructure, not to mention close proximity to restaurants, stores, and beaches, this marina is the right place to call home port while in The Bahamas.
Visitors to Paradise Island will be glad to know they have top-notch facilities to make the most of their time on the island. Those looking for a private oasis can look forward to luxury condo rentals at Paradise Landing, where there are one- and two-bedroom units offering expansive marina and Nassau Harbour views, available on a monthly or long-term basis. Top design features, such as quartz countertops, hurricane-rated windows and doors, and state-of-the-art appliances, await when choosing this place to enjoy the island from the comfort of a long-term luxury rental overlooking the marina.
Read more about the exciting growth of Bahamas tourism from the Caribbean Journal.