The Bahamas reports record 12.5 million visitors in 2025

The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation says the country welcomed 12.5 million visitors in 2025, the highest total it has recorded.

The ministry says overall visitor arrivals rose 11.4 per cent year over year, surpassing 2024’s record and coming in more than 70 per cent above pre-pandemic 2019 levels.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation, I. Chester Cooper, called the milestone significant for the country’s tourism economy.

“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," he 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 the benefits of tourism continue to strengthen communities throughout the country.”

Cruise tourism accounted for 86.5 per cent of total arrivals.

Sea arrivals exceeded 10.6 million visitors, up 14 per cent year over year and nearly double 2019 levels. 

The ministry also pointed to record throughput at major ports, with gains across Nassau/Paradise Island and the Out Islands, which were supported by new cruise infrastructure and partnerships with cruise lines.

The ministry highlighted several island performances:

• Abaco recorded its highest total visitor arrivals on record, welcoming just south of 520,000 visitors in 2025, attributed to record sea arrivals.
• Grand Bahama surpassed one million total arrivals for the first time in more than 22 years, reaching approximately 1.1 million through December. Expanded and sustained airlift drove the increase: air arrivals rose 20 per cent year over year versus 2024 and were more than 30 per cent above 2019 levels. The growth benefited hotels, short-term rentals, restaurants and on-island service providers.
• Beyond the major gateways, tourism continued to diversify across the Family Islands: Eleuthera recorded nearly 30 per cent growth, while Bimini and the Berry Islands continued to expand as cruise destinations. Nearly 30 per cent of stopover visitors travelled to the Out Islands.

Air arrivals remained resilient despite global aviation constraints and weather-related disruptions. 

Nearly 1.7 million foreign air visitors travelled to The Bahamas, with late-year momentum reflected in year-over-year growth in December.

Canada was a bright spot, with stopover arrivals surpassing pre-pandemic levels, supported by expanded service and strengthened airline partnerships.

“Welcoming 12.5 million visitors speaks to the strength of Brand Bahamas and the clarity of our market positioning. 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 traveller," said Director General of Tourism Latia Duncombe.

"This momentum reflects how effectively The Bahamas is engaging international markets while building long-term competitiveness for the future.”

Stopover tourism totalled over 1.8 million visitors during the year. 

Approximately two-thirds stayed in Nassau/Paradise Island, while nearly 30 per cent travelled to the Out Islands.

The ministry also noted international recognition for destination marketing, digital engagement, and sustainability, along with continued private-sector investment and product development. 

It acknowledged tourism stakeholders, promotion boards, cruise and airline partners, hotel operators and small tourism businesses, and said it is focused on initiatives tied to sustainable tourism development, infrastructure, and diversifying the visitor economy.

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