Bahamas to urism hits record high

The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation has applauded new tourism figures for 2018/19 after the region welcomed “the highest number of international arrivals ever”. “It is my great pride and pleasure to report that the Bahamas is experiencing its strongest tourism numbers ever on record,” said Minister Dionisio D’aguilar. “We look forward to building upon the success of our progressive plans and continuing the momentum in 2019 as we forge ahead with exciting new initiatives.” Data from the Ministry’s partner, Forward Keys reported that international arrivals in the region grew by 11% in February 2019, compared with the same period in 2018. The figures also noted that forward bookings were running 9.3% ahead for international arrivals for the first quarter of the year. Air capacity to the region grew by 20% in January, and 21% in February year-on-year, with solid seat growth from the US and Canada markets of 23.9% and 12.7% respectively. In addition, hotel accommodation in Nassau and Paradise Island 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%, showing growth not seen in close to 10 years. Both air and sea arrivals for the year to December 2018 totalled over 6.6 million, a dramatic increase from the 6.1 million recorded in 2017. Cruising will continue to be a focus for the region as plans for the million dollar redevelopment of the cruise terminal in Nassau forge ahead.