The Bahamas has set a new all-time tourism record, welcoming an unprecedented 12.5 million visitors, according to figures released Wednesday by the Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation.
The milestone marks the highest number of visitors ever recorded by the country and cements The Bahamas’ position as one of the world’s leading tourism destinations. Visitor arrivals increased 11.4 per cent year-over-year, surpassing 2024’s previous record and exceeding pre-pandemic 2019 levels by more than 70 per cent, reflecting sustained global demand and continued growth across multiple markets.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation, Chester Cooper, described the achievement as a defining moment for the country’s tourism industry.
“Reaching 12.5 million visitors is a clear signal of confidence in our destination, our leadership, and our tourism strategy,” Cooper said. “Tourism continues to be a powerful engine of economic growth, delivering jobs, investment, and opportunity for Bahamians across our islands. While we are proud of this performance, our focus remains on sustaining growth responsibly and ensuring that communities continue to benefit.”
Cruise tourism remained the primary driver of growth, accounting for 86.5 per cent of total arrivals. Sea arrivals surpassed 10.6 million visitors, a 14 per cent increase compared to 2024 and nearly double 2019 levels. Major ports, including Nassau/Paradise Island, recorded record throughput, supported by new cruise infrastructure and expanded partnerships with cruise lines. The Out Islands also continued to see gains.
Several islands posted standout performances. Abaco recorded its highest visitor arrivals on record, welcoming just under 520,000 visitors in 2025, driven largely by record sea arrivals and growing demand for Out Island experiences.
Grand Bahama experienced a major tourism resurgence, with total arrivals exceeding one million for the first time in more than two decades. Approximately 1.1 million visitors arrived through December, fueled by expanded and sustained airlift. Air arrivals rose 20 per cent year-over-year and exceeded 2019 levels by more than 30 per cent, benefiting hotels, vacation rentals, restaurants, and local service providers.
Tourism growth also continued to diversify across the Family Islands. Eleuthera recorded nearly 30 per cent growth, while Bimini and the Berry Islands strengthened their roles as cruise destinations. Nearly 30 per cent of stopover visitors traveled to the Out Islands, helping spread tourism benefits more evenly across the archipelago.
Air arrivals remained resilient despite global aviation constraints and weather disruptions. Nearly 1.7 million foreign air visitors traveled to The Bahamas, with strong late-year momentum. Canada emerged as a key growth market, with stopover arrivals surpassing pre-pandemic levels following expanded air service and strengthened airline partnerships.
Director General of Tourism Latia Duncombe said the record-breaking performance reflects the strength of the country’s brand and tourism strategy.
“Welcoming 12.5 million visitors speaks to the strength of Brand Bahamas and the clarity of our market positioning,” Duncombe said. “Demand is being driven by our diverse island offerings and a destination that consistently meets the expectations of today’s global traveler.”
Stopover tourism remained strong, with more than 1.8 million stopover visitors recorded during the year. About two-thirds stayed in Nassau/Paradise Island, while nearly 30 per cent visited the Out Islands, supporting local businesses and community-based tourism.
In addition to record arrivals, The Bahamas received international recognition for destination marketing, digital engagement, and sustainability initiatives, further enhancing its global competitiveness.
Tourism officials credited the achievement to close collaboration among government agencies, tourism boards, cruise and airline partners, hotel operators, and small tourism enterprises.
As the country builds on consecutive record-breaking years, the Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation said it remains focused on sustainable development, infrastructure expansion, and ensuring that continued tourism growth delivers lasting economic benefits for Bahamians nationwide.
