NASSAU, BAHAMAS- Opposition Shadow Finance Minister Kwasi Thompson says the government must urgently respond to “clear and concerning” data showing a drop in stopover tourism for the first quarter of 2025.
“This is a critical segment of our tourism economy, and the data confirms what many in the sector already know — growth has stalled and, in some key markets, is slipping,” Thompson said in a statement released Monday.
Thompson’s remarks follow recent comments by Director General of Tourism Latia Duncombe, who announced a nine percent overall rise in visitor arrivals between January and March 2025—led primarily by a surge in cruise traffic. However, air arrivals dipped by three percent and stopover visitors declined by four percent compared to the same period last year.
While Duncombe described the industry’s outlook as “stable and positive,” the Opposition sees the downturn in high-spending overnight guests as a warning sign.
“The Bahamian people deserve transparency and leadership, yet we are still waiting to hear from the government what its plan is to reverse this downturn and to shield our economy from the broader headwinds facing the global travel industry,” said Thompson.
He emphasized the real-world consequences of fewer stopover arrivals: “This is not just a matter of statistics; the impact is real and immediate for everyday Bahamians. Fewer stopover visitors mean fewer taxi fares, fewer restaurant patrons, and fewer customers for tour operators and small businesses.”
The Opposition contends that the drop in air arrivals also poses fiscal risks, reducing critical government revenue from VAT, border taxes, and departure fees.
“These missed revenue targets place budget projections at risk and could further widen the deficit if not addressed with urgency and planning,” Thompson added.
While Duncombe highlighted ongoing efforts to boost multi-island tourism, expand airlift from Canada, and strengthen digital marketing, the Opposition says those efforts aren’t enough.
“In contrast, the Free National Movement has a clear plan to support a sustainable recovery in tourism and increase long-term competitiveness,” said Thompson, citing proposals that include improving airlift, supporting Bahamian entrepreneurs, and upgrading key ports of entry.
“This is not the time for silence or vague reassurances,” he said. “The challenges are clear, and the path forward must be equally so. We urge the government to level with the Bahamian people, share its plan, and put the needs of workers and the broader economy first.”
