The Bahamas’ tourism sector has shattered all previous records under this PLP administration. In 2023 the country welcomed 9.65 million visitors, exceeding pre-pandemic highs, and 2024 saw an unprecedented 11.22 million international arrivals – the most in Bahamian history. This two-year surge reflects strategic marketing and new airlift/cruise capacity. 

The $300 million Nassau Cruise Port redevelopment, opened in May 2023, is a centerpiece of this success. It expanded berth capacity and added a Junkanoo museum, amphitheater, and 70+ local vendor outlets, ensuring visitors are “immersed in our heritage, creativity and excellence” upon arrival.

To restore the city centre as a place of pride and economic activity, the Davis administration initiated wide-ranging efforts to revitalise Downtown Nassau, demolishing derelict buildings, installing new lighting and surveillance systems, commissioning murals, and improving Wi-Fi access. Plans also call for a Junkanoo Theme Park and Museum.

To assist Bahamians in owning a piece of the tourism product, the government has made funding available for tourism business owners, fly fishing business owners and AirBnB owners, and has also provided rent-free accommodations for business owners via the tourism business incubation hubs and access to digital sales via the Tingsea Marketplace. 

In response to the unprecedented tourism growth, major resorts on New Providence, such as Baha Mar, Atlantis, and Four Seasons have announced expansions..

Beyond New Providence, Carnival’s Celebration Key and the Six Senses resort are underway in Grand Bahama, and will soon be joined by the $800+ million redevelopment of the Grand Lucayan Hotel, among other developments. Across the Family Islands, major brands like Bulgari, Ritz-Carlton, Montage Cay, and others are making key investments as well.

The result is hundreds of new hospitality jobs, record tourism earnings fuelling growth in the wider economy, and more opportunities for Bahamian ownership in the tourism sector.