NASSAU PARADISE ISLAND — The latest inbound visitor stats from The Nassau Paradise Island Promotion Board show how the popular Bahamas destination has recovered from the pandemic.

The NPIPB says Nassau Paradise Island finished 2022 above what the promotion board saw in its record year in 2019.

Average occupancy increased 23.2% percentage points in 2022, up to 65.2% from 42% in 2021. Room revenue surpassed 2021 levels by 112%. And length of stay is now approaching six nights on average, says the NPIPB. That represents a half-day to one-day increase.

The tourism board also reports that 2022 total visits to Nassau Paradise Island were up 69% compared to 2021 and total website referrals to NPIPB partner resorts increased 47% versus the previous year. Meanwhile web search demand for ‘The Bahamas’ and ‘Nassau’ was up 20% and 41% stronger than in December 2021 respectively. NPIPB says it is investing in a new website, slated to be complete in early 2023, to capitalize on the search demand and continue to drive conversions.

As for lift, the NPIPB says nonstop air service from 38 markets in the U.S., Canada, Europe and South America into Lynden Pindling International Airport remains one of Nassau Paradise Island’s most important assets. During the pandemic and recovery since, the destination did not lose service from a single market.

Air arrivals through December 2022 were 90% of pre-pandemic levels. For 2023, capacity is growing, with February seats up 15% from 2022 levels, averaging 5,358 seats per day.

“It has been wonderful to see tourism to Nassau Paradise Island surpass pre-pandemic levels, and we are continuing to build on the momentum from last year to drive demand and make 2023 a banner year,” says NPIPB’s CEO, Joy Jibrilu. “Our island destination has so much to offer all types of visitors and as I reflect on 2022, I am so thankful for our partners and am extremely optimistic for the new year full of new resorts, more nonstop air service, new and returning special events, and more!”