The Bahamas, an archipelago of more than 700 islands, remains a top Caribbean resort destination with world-famous beaches, cruise ports and luxury resorts.
In 2024, the Bahamas welcomed ~11.22 million international visitors, making it the best year ever for tourism in the country.
Key stats: Bahamas Tourism
- ≈ 11.22 million visitors in 2024 — the Bahamas logged its best year ever for tourism, setting a new benchmark.
- Visitor numbers ~55% higher than 2019 — the archipelago not only recovered from the pandemic but surpassed its previous high by a wide margin.
- Cruise tourism pumped in ~US$654.8 million (2023/24 year) and the broader cruise sector’s impact went beyond US$1 billion.
- 1.15 million arrivals in December 2024 alone — the strongest single month in the country’s tourism history.
- Air arrivals (non-cruise) passed ~1.7 million in 2024, reaching and slightly exceeding pre-pandemic levels.
- Tourism makes up roughly 70% of the national GDP — underscoring how essential it is to the Bahamas’ economy.
- January 2024: nearly 960,000 arrivals — early-year momentum confirmed broad demand.
How Many Tourists Visit the Bahamas Each Year?
In 2024, the Bahamas recorded ~11.22 million international arrivals, up ~16% from 2023 (~9.65 million).
| Year | Arrivals | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | (baseline) ~7.27 million* | Pre-pandemic level (approx) |
| 2023 | ~9.65 million | Record year growth |
| 2024 | ~11.22 million | Best year ever |
*Pre-pandemic 2019 figure approximate from data.
How Many Tourists Visit the Bahamas Each Day?
With ~11.22 million annual visitors in 2024, the Bahamas averages about ~30,800 visitors per day.
(11,220,000 ÷ 365 ≈ 30,750)
How Much Money Does Tourism Generate for the Bahamas?
Tourism is the dominant economic sector for the Bahamas, contributing approximately 24-30% of GDP directly, and much more indirectly.
Key figures:
- Travel & tourism direct contribution to GDP in 2023: USD ~3.74 billion (≈24.4% of GDP) per WTTC.
- The Bahamas economy is highly tourism-dependent: tourism accounts for about 70% of GDP and employs half the workforce.
Which Countries Visit the Bahamas the Most?
The United States remains the dominant source market for the Bahamas, with growing contributions from Canada and Europe.
| Country | Estimated Share |
|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 United States | ~85% of all international arrivals |
| 🇨🇦 Canada | ≈7% |
| 🇬🇧 United Kingdom & Europe combined | ~6% |
| Other markets | ~2% |
What Are the Most Visited Attractions & Regions in the Bahamas?
Visitors are drawn by beach resorts, cruise ports, diving habitats, and island excursions.
| Attraction / Region | Estimated Annual Guests | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| New Providence / Nassau | ~5 million+ | Major resort & cruise hub |
| Paradise Island | ~2 million+ | Resort cluster |
| Freeport / Grand Bahama | Rising ~1-2 million | Growth post-rebuilding |
| Exuma & Out Islands | ~1-1.5 million | Luxury & nature tourism |
| Coral reefs & diving sites | N/A | Key for high-spend niche tourism |
When Is the Best Time to Visit the Bahamas?
Tourism peaks in the dry high-season; there is some drop-off in hurricane months.
| Season | Trend | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| December – April | High | Best weather, many arrivals |
| May – August | Moderate to High | Warm & humid, school holidays |
| September – November | Lower / moderate | Hurricane risk increases, lower arrivals |
December 2024 was the best single month ever with ~1.15 million arrivals.
What Are the Biggest Events That Drive Tourism to the Bahamas?
| Event | Timing | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bahamas Junkanoo Festival | December & January | Cultural parade, high-season draw |
| Bahamas Carnival | May | Regional music & event tourism |
| Spring Break & Cruise Peak | March – April | Especially U.S. college market |
| Regatta & Yacht Shows | Winter | Luxury/niche travellers |
How Much Revenue Does Tourism Bring Per Visitor?
While precise average spend per visitor is less publicly broken down, key indicators show strong performance:
- Cruise visitor numbers surged: sea arrivals reached ~7.9 million in 2023, up ~43.5% year-over-year.
- Air arrivals in 2023: ~1.72 million, up ~17% vs 2022.
These suggest that high visitor numbers are matched by strong overall spending impact.
How Critical Is Tourism to the Bahamas Economy?
Tourism is the lifeblood of the Bahamas — providing jobs, foreign exchange, and driving investment in infrastructure.
- The Bahamas economy is heavily reliant on tourism, perhaps contributing up to ~70% of GDP.
- The 2024 visitor surge underscores how resilient and vital the sector is.
Which Islands / Areas Are Most Popular with Tourists?
| Area | Reputation | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Nassau / Paradise Island | Resorts + cruise ports | Families, all-inclusive, cruise passengers |
| Grand Bahamas (Freeport) | Developing resort market | Mid-luxury, nature, less crowded |
| Exumas & Out Islands | Private/island luxury | Honeymooners, high-net-worth |
| Abaco Islands | Regrowth after hurricane | Sailing, boating, niche luxury |
FAQ – Bahamas Tourism Insights
How many tourists visit the Bahamas yearly?
~11.22 million international arrivals in 2024 — all-time high for the destination.
Which country sends the most tourists?
The United States, accounting for about 85% of international arrivals.
What is the best time to visit?
December to April (dry season) is the high-season; September to November has some weather risk but lower prices.
What are the top things the Bahamas is known for?
Sun-soaked beaches, luxury resorts, crystalline waters, world-renowned diving, and cruise stopovers.
Is tourism important to the Bahamas economy?
Yes — tourism accounts for a large share of GDP (≈24% direct, possibly ~70% including indirect) and employment.
Which island should I base myself on?
Nassau/Paradise Island for resorts & infrastructure; Exumas for remote luxury; Grand Bahamas for less-crowded alternative.
Sources
- The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism — The Bahamas drives unprecedented tourism growth — welcoming more than 11 million visitors in 2024
- TravelMarketReport — Record Smashed: The Bahamas welcomed 11.22 million visitors in 2024
- TourismToday / Bahamas Government — Bahamas Visitor Arrivals 2024 (Dept. of Immigration & Port Authorities)
- WTTC Travel & Tourism Economic Impact — Bahamas Travel & Tourism Economic Impact Report 2023
- Global Finance Magazine — The Bahamas GDP & Economic Overview (2023) – tourism dependence
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