24-06-2025
2025 has been better for the Bahamas
Meagan Drillinger
After welcoming an impressive 11.2 million international visitors in 2024, the Bahamas is wasting no time in keeping up the momentum in 2025. According to Latia Duncombe, director general for the Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation, who addressed attendees at at the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association conference in Antigua earlier this year, the destination recorded 3.3 million foreign air and sea arrivals in the first quarter alone, up 9% over the same period last year.
Duncombe points to more than $10 billion in infrascructure investment, upgraded airlift and development that touches nearly every inhabited island.
Reaching more islands than ever
With more than 20 international airports serving the Bahamas' 16 actively promoted islands, including Cat Island, Long Island and the forever-popular Nassau, accessibility is one of the strongest levers driving growth. That access continues to improve in 2025, thanks in large part to Makers Air, the Fort Lauderdale-based flyer that is doubling down on its investment in Out Island airlift.
Beginning Nov. 1, the airline will offer daily service from Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport to New Bight, Cat Island, and expand flights to Stella Maris, Long Island, to three times per week. These updates not only bring more visitors to islands that were previously harder to reach but also reflect the growing traveler appetite for destinations that offer a more off-the-radar Bahamian experience.
Beyond air arrivals, cruise travel continues to be a major driver of tourism income. According to the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association, cruise tourism generated $654.8 million in direct expenditures for the Bahamas during the 2023-2024 cruise year. When factoring jobs, taxes and other revenue, the total economic impact climbs to more than $1 billion, the association said.
The Grand Lucayan Resort redevelopment, seen here in a rendering, will include three new hotel buildings, a megayacht marina, overwater cabanas, a Greg Norman-designed golf course and a 25,000-square-foot casino. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Concord Wilshire Capital
The cruise sector's success has encouraged further infrastructure upgrades, with cruise lines investing in private island experiences and terminal enhancements across the archipelago. The Nassau Cruise Port, for example, is planning to add a $35 million waterpark complex. This is the next step following the $330 million redevelopment of the port in 2023 that included a new berth and revitalization of the piers.
Coming attractions
While the Out Islands gain steam, marquee developments are coming into key hubs like Grand Bahama and Nassau as well as farther afield islands like the Exumas. The $827 million redevelopment of the Grand Lucayan Resort, for example, is a driving force. The sprawling project will include three new hotel buildings, a megayacht marina, overwater cabanas, a Greg Norman-designed golf course and a 25,000-square-foot casino, not to mention a family-friendly waterpark and upscale beach clubs.
One of the most significant new projects is Amancaya, a $260 million resort and residences development by Aman, set across two private cays in Exuma. The resort will feature 36 rooms, a marina, a beach club, a spa and restaurants. No opening date has been set.
