Closing in on over 7.2 million visitors for Q3 2023, the Bahamas has exceeded pre-pandemic arrival numbers in Q3 2023. Further, the Caribbean country aims to welcome more than 8 million visitors this year.

In the first three quarters of 2023, the Bahamas has reported more than 7.2 million visitors, equalling the total number of arrivals for all of 2019, putting the country squarely on target to welcome more than 8 million visitors this year.

According to a press statement by the Ministry of Tourism, investments and aviation confirms that arrivals by air and sea, from January through the end of September 2023, was 7.2 million. Of this 1.3 million came by air and 5.9 million came by sea, with total arrivals in 9 months exceeding arrivals in all of 2019 by 33 pc.

The statement adds that cruise arrivals from the beginning of the year through September are up 61 pc over the corresponding period in 2022, and 45 pc ahead of 2019. Foreign air arrivals, which include stopovers and day visitors, are up 21 pc over the same period in 2022 and stopover visitors through September, are just shy of the total number of stopover visitors for the same period of 2019.

“The overall goal of our efforts in tourism is to continually increase visitor arrival numbers to our destination, year after year. Our tourism performance in 2023 has been spectacular on two fronts. We have surpassed the tourism benchmark year of 2019 across all metrics, and our visitor arrival numbers are a resounding indication of a complete post-pandemic rebound,” says Chester Cooper, Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) and Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation of the Bahamas.

The statement adds that hotel occupancy is up over 2019, with average daily room rates and room revenue significantly ahead of that year. The Bahamas also continues to see gains in the overall spend of visitors onshore.

“We have some of the most attractive cruise destinations in the region, with the new Port of Nassau making waves on social media and throughout the travel sector. Nassau, Bimini, the Berry Islands, Half Moon Cay and other destinations have seen remarkable growth in cruise arrivals in the past two years, with more visitors coming off the ships and spending more time onshore. This activity is being felt throughout the economy,” adds Cooper.

The board adds that with newly launched direct flights this fall, the 16-island destination is more accessible than ever and offers a variety of entertainment, from competitive tournaments and sporting events to local celebrations and culinary festivals. It lists some of the new attractions in the island :

Second annual Bahamas Charter Yacht Show is set to return from January 25 to 28, 2024. The charter broker-only event will be staged at leading Nassau and Paradise Island marinas, including Atlantis Paradise Island, Bay Street Marina, Nassau Cruise Port, the Pointe Marina and Hurricane Hole Superyacht Marina.

The statement adds that this Thanksgiving, travellers can create new holiday traditions at Baha Mar. The resort will offer a series of curated events, from community service opportunities to elevated holiday dinner options. Guests can book a reservation at Café Boulud, serving a prix-fixe Thanksgiving feast or a special family-style table experience at Costa. 

Further, on November 4, the Conchman Triathlon will be hosted in Taino Beach on Grand Bahama Island. The race continues its tradition welcoming visitors and locals of all ages to compete since 1986. 

The board adds that Bimini Big Game Club Resort and Marina will host the first-ever annual Viking Yacht Owners Weekend Tournament, November  9 to 12. The board adds that Bimini Big Game Club Resort and Marina will host the first-ever annual Viking Yacht Owners Weekend Tournament, November  9 to 12. 

The inaugural Seafood Festival in Crown Haven, Abaco, will take place November 18. The event will highlight a fusion of the island chain’s rich maritime culture and culinary delicacies, featuring friendly competition and live entertainment.