Bahamas Posts Record Arrivals in 2025

The Bahamas welcomed 12.5 million visitors in 2025, the highest total ever recorded for the country, according to the Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation. The milestone achievement reflects “sustained global demand, decisive leadership, and a tourism strategy delivering tangible economic impact across the country,” said Ministry officials.

Bahamian tourism’s outstanding performance saw visitor arrivals grow 11.4% year-over-year, surpassing 2024’s record and exceeding pre-pandemic 2019 levels by more than 70%. “Reaching 12.5 million visitors is a defining achievement for The Bahamas and a clear signal of confidence in our destination, our leadership, and our tourism strategy,” said Hon. I. Chester Cooper, deputy prime minister and minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation.

“Tourism continues to be a powerful engine of economic growth, delivering jobs, investment, and opportunity for Bahamians across our islands,” said Cooper. “While we are proud of this performance, our focus remains on sustaining growth responsibly and ensuring that the benefits of tourism continue to strengthen communities throughout the country.”

Cruise tourism remained the Bahamas’ primary driver of growth, accounting for 86.5% of total arrivals. Sea arrivals exceeded 10.6 million visitors, representing a 14% increase year-over-year and nearly double 2019 levels. Major ports recorded record passenger totals, with continued gains across Nassau/Paradise Island and the Out Islands, supported by new cruise infrastructure and enhanced partnerships with leading cruise lines.

Several islands delivered standout performances, underscoring the breadth of tourism growth across the archipelago. Abaco recorded its highest-ever total visitor arrivals, welcoming just south of 520,000 visitors in 2025. The total reflects “sustained demand for the island’s distinctive Out Island experiences,” reinforcing Abaco’s long-term tourism potential.

Grand Bahama’s 2025 tourism resurgence was driven by expanded and sustained airlift, marking a major watershed for the island’s economy. For the first time in more than 22 years, total arrivals surpassed one million, reaching approximately 1.1 million through December. Air arrivals increased 20% year-over-year compared to 2024 and exceeded pre-pandemic 2019 levels by more than 30%, which the government attributes to, “renewed airline confidence and a strengthening stopover market.”

Grand Bahama’s airlift-driven growth has directly benefited hotels, short-term rentals, restaurants, and on-island service providers, reinforcing its status as one of the fastest-growing islands in The Bahamas and the wider region.

Beyond the major gateways, tourism growth continued to diversify across the Family Islands. Eleuthera recorded nearly 30% growth, while Bimini and the Berry Islands continued to expand their roles as cruise destinations. Nearly 30% of stopover visitors traveled to the Out Islands, strengthening community-based tourism and ensuring that the benefits of growth are shared more broadly across The Bahamas.

Air arrivals remained solid amid global aviation constraints and weather-related disruptions. Nearly 1.7 million foreign air visitors traveled to The Bahamas, with late-year momentum reflected in year-over-year growth in December. Canada emerged as a bright spot, with stopover arrivals surpassing pre-pandemic levels, supported by expanded service and strengthened airline partnerships.

“Demand is being driven by our island offerings, strong performance across multiple travel segments, and a destination that consistently meets the expectations of today’s global traveler,” said Latia Duncombe, director general of tourism. 

Topics From This Article to Explore