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.
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.