The Bahamas experienced a slower tourism season in September and October, exacerbated by hurricanes that impacted key visitor markets, according to Minister of Tourism, Investments, and Aviation Chester Cooper. The slow season was made more challenging by Hurricane Milton, which struck central Florida, a major source of tourists for the Bahamas, and Hurricane Oscar, which disrupted travel routes to the southern Bahamas.
“Despite these setbacks, we anticipate ending the year strong and even surpassing last year’s record numbers,” Cooper said. He noted that while September and October saw a lull, projections for the rest of the year remain positive.
In response to the disruptions, Cooper highlighted the Ministry of Tourism’s efforts to support Florida, stating, “Florida is central to our market, and once recovery progresses, we expect travelers to resume visits to the Bahamas given our close proximity.”
Cooper also remarked on a shift in traveler behavior toward shorter booking windows, leading to more spontaneous travel decisions and making long-term forecasting more challenging for tourism officials. However, with robust airlift from over 25 cities in North America and expanding direct flights, Cooper expressed confidence in the upcoming busy winter season.
“We’re expecting a strong November and December,” Cooper added, citing ongoing efforts to expand air routes from emerging markets such as the Middle East, South America, Central America, and Africa.
The Bahamas remains committed to drawing tourists from a wider array of international markets, anticipating that a mix of renewed airlift and seasonal demand will bolster the nation’s tourism recovery through the winter months and into 2025.
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