Bahamas Tourism Posts Record Highs

The Bahamas has achieved its highest number of international arrivals ever, thanks in part to a boost in lift from source markets including Canada. The strong numbers have resulted in record hotel occupancy levels.

According to The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation’s data partner, ForwardKeys, which tracks inbound visitor data 365 days in advance, international arrivals to The Bahamas grew by 15 percent in January 2019 versus the same month in 2018, with several key markets registering double-digit growth. February was also strong for the destination, with an 11.1 percent year-over-year increase in international arrivals.

The forward booking situation for the next three months (March to May) is “optimistic”, says the Ministry, with forward bookings running 9.0 percent ahead for international arrivals. April, ahead by 15.6 percent, shows the most favorable outlook.

Air capacity grew by 20.0 percent in January year-over-year, with a solid seat growth from international markets like the United States (+23.9 percent) and Canada (+12.7 percent). The USA and Canada will continue to lead capacity growth in the next three months. The growth trend continues, as international air capacity grew by nearly 21 percent year-over-year in February.

Last year also saw record-breaking numbers for cruise ship and stopover arrivals. By the end of 2018, foreign air and sea arrivals had totaled more than 6.6 million visitors, up from the 6.1 million recorded in 2017. Stopover visitors alone had increased 16.7 percent in 2018, as compared to 2017, and Freeport saw a surge of sea visitors by 49 percent.

The Nassau and Paradise Island hotel industry reported a spike in average daily room rates and revenue per available room in 2018 compared to 2017. The year ended with room revenues up 34 percent, gains not seen in the past 10 years.

Source: Travelweek Group