NASSAU — There’s never been more people travelling to The Bahamas than now.

According to The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation, the country has surpassed all previous records, welcoming a total of 9,654,838 visitors in 2023. This represents a 38% increase over 2022 and a 33% increase compared to the previous record in 2019.

The record-breaking results are underscored by a 17% increase in foreign air arrivals, for a total of 1,719,980 visitors compared to 1,470,244 in 2022. Sea arrivals also saw an unprecedented surge, with 7,934,858 visitors in 2023, up 43.5% from the 5,530,462 who visited by sea the previous year. 

“The Bahamas has not only surpassed its targets but has set new benchmarks in the tourism industry. These figures as a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in our tourism sector, the irresistible charm of our islands and the friendliness of our people, said Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism ,Investments & Aviation Chester Cooper. 

As for where visitors are choosing to stay and explore in The Bahamas, the destination is seeing an even distribution across its 16 islands. New Providence attracted 4,441,540 visitors, up 36% compared to 2022; Grand Bahama welcomed 559,812 visitors, up 44%; and the Family Islands saw an impressive 40% increase, with 4,653,486 visitors arriving by sea and air.