Surpassing all previous records, the Bahamas welcomed over 9.64 million visitors in 2023, marking a historic milestone the Caribbean nation. The figure represents a 38% increase over 2022 and a 33% increase compared to the previous 2019 record.

Dubbing the milestone “an extraordinary display of the strength of our country’s tourism sector,” the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation said record-breaking visitor arrivals for 2023 exceeded the forecasted projections and included a 17% increase in foreign air arrivals, totaling 1.7 million visitors, compared to 1.47 in 2022.

Meanwhile, sea arrivals also saw an unprecedented surge, with 7.93 million visitors in 2023, up 43.5% from the 5.53 million who visited by sea the previous year.

The distribution of visitors across the 16-island destinations illustrates the widespread appeal of The Bahamas:

• New Providence attracted 4,441,540 visitors, up 36%, compared to 2022.
• Grand Bahama welcomed 559,812 visitors, marking a 44% increase.
• The Family Islands saw a 40% rise, with 4,653,486 visitors arriving by sea and air.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism Chester Cooper said, “The Bahamas has not only surpassed its targets but has set new benchmarks in the tourism industry. This record-breaking year is a clear indication of The Bahamas’ position as a top-tier destination for travellers seeking unparalleled experiences. Our islands offer a unique blend of natural beauty, rich culture, and warm hospitality, making it a favourite of visitors from around the world.”