NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The Bahamas' cruise segment continues to see strong demand, evidenced by its 43 percent growth rate, according to Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper, noting that with the industry's performance still strong three years post-pandemic it can no longer be attributed to merely pent-up demand.

Speaking on the sidelines of the recent Sea Trade conference in Miami Beach, Cooper, who has ministerial responsibility for Tourism, Aviation, and Investments

"Our growth rate for cruising in The Bahamas is 43 percent, so we see that there is strong demand. The strength of the itineraries and bookings continues three years after COVID. We can no longer attribute this to pent-up demand. We provide a happy experience for our guests, and our guests appreciate the proximity and charm of The Bahamas and the multiple experiences they can have," said Cooper.

Cooper noted that tourism stakeholders are looking at ways to increase cruise visitor spend. 

"We are going to do this by increasing the number of things they can do and see to the tours they can have and we are working with the tourism development corporation to empower Bahamians and create opportunities for more spend," said Cooper.

He noted that there are several developments in the pipeline in The Bahamas' cruise segment. 

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