The Bahamas has achieved a significant milestone in tourism growth. The Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation reports an impressive 11.22 million international visitors in 2024, surpassing the previous year’s 9.65 million arrivals and setting a new benchmark for the destination.
“The Bahamas has not only exceeded its targets but remains a steadfast global leader in the tourism industry and a dominant presence in the Caribbean region. These record-breaking achievements are a powerful testament to the tourism marketing strides by the Ministry of Tourism and the supportive dedication of our partners across the destination, who, alongside our passionate locals, continue to offer unparalleled experiences throughout our beautiful and culturally rich islands,” said The Honourable I. Chester Cooper, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation, in a press statement. “We thank our partners and stakeholders across several industries, staff of the ministry of tourism, and the magnificent people of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas who have embraced the mantra that ‘Tourism is Everybody’s Business,’ for this wonderful achievement.”
The Bahamas, Standing Strong
Despite challenges posed by Hurricanes Milton and Oscar, the islands demonstrated remarkable resilience. Foreign air and sea arrivals soared 16.2 percent above 2023 figures and an impressive 54.7 percent over 2019 numbers. Air arrivals alone exceeded 1.7 million, maintaining pace with 2023 and outperforming 2019 by 3.3 percent.
In December 2024, The Bahamas welcomed 1.15 million visitors—a 14 percent increase from 2023 and a 62 percent leap from 2019. This surge underscores the islands’ year-round appeal.
The growth wasn’t limited to the main islands. Grand Bahama Island saw an 8.7 percent rise in air arrivals, while Abaco led with an 11.9 percent increase over 2023, signaling a strong recovery to pre-Hurricane Dorian and pre-COVID levels.
Cruise tourism continues to be a major economic driver. The Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association reports $654.8 million in cruise tourism expenditures for the 2023/2024 season. When including employment, taxes, and levies, the total economic impact exceeds $1 billion, highlighting the sector’s crucial role in the nation’s prosperity.
The luxury market has also seen significant growth, with over $10 billion in Foreign Direct Investments over the past two years. Prestigious brands like Rosewood, Six Senses, Montage, Park Hyatt, Bvlgari, and Four Seasons Residences have contributed to elevating the destination’s profile in the high-end travel segment.
For travel advisors, these figures represent a wealth of opportunities. The diverse offerings across the islands, from bustling cruise ports to exclusive luxury resorts, provide options for a wide range of client preferences and budgets. As you plan itineraries, consider the year-round appeal and the varied experiences available throughout The Bahamas.
“The Bahamas’ exceptional tourism growth reflects our relentless drive to elevate the visitor experience and expand our global reach,” said Latia Duncombe, Director General of Tourism, in a press statement. “These milestones are the result of innovative marketing strategies, strong industry partnerships, and the unwavering hospitality of the Bahamian people. As we build on this momentum, we remain committed to setting new standards in tourism excellence and welcoming even more travelers to our extraordinary islands.”
For more information, visit bahamas.com.
