NASSAU, BAHAMAS- The cancellation of the Bahamas Charter Yacht Show is a major blow to the country’s marine and tourism sector and highlights deeper structural challenges that are already discouraging charter activity, according to Peter Maury, president of the Association of Bahamas Marinas.
Maury said the decision to cancel the show reflects a wider decline in charter traffic driven by rising costs and an increasingly complex and inconsistent entry process for visiting vessels.
“The cancellation of the Charter Show is a heartbreaking setback for the Bahamas’ marine and tourism industry, and it underscores how interconnected the problems really are,” Maury said.
He pointed to high clearance fees and procedural uncertainty as key deterrents for charter yachts and brokers, noting that reduced vessel arrivals have a direct knock-on effect on the viability of major industry events.
“High clearance fees and a confusing, inconsistent entry process have made the Bahamas less attractive to charter yachts and brokers. That decline in traffic directly shrinks the audience for the show—fewer boats, fewer brokers, fewer owners,” Maury said.
With attendance falling, Maury explained that the show could no longer operate under its traditional financial model, which relied on affordable booth rates to ensure participation by local businesses.
“With such low attendance, the event can no longer sustain itself at the traditional low booth rates that local marinas, service providers, and family-island businesses have always depended on. Raising exhibitor fees to cover the shortfall would price those very businesses out of the show, defeating its entire purpose,” he said.
Maury stressed that the Charter Yacht Show served as a critical access point for small, locally owned operators who do not have the financial capacity to market themselves internationally.
“For many of these small, local operators, this event was their only realistic way to connect directly with the yachting community. They don’t have the budget or ability to travel to FLIBS, Monaco, or Fort Lauderdale to meet brokers and captains,” he said.
“The Charter Show was their one annual lifeline to showcase what they offer—provisioning, repairs, excursions, moorings—and to secure bookings that keep their businesses alive.”
He also highlighted the financial strain on the show’s organisers, describing the risks associated with advance commitments for accommodations and marina space amid weakening demand.
“The financial pressure on the organizers is equally brutal. Committing to a block of rooms and slips 30 days in advance, only to see registrations dry up, left them facing massive out-of-pocket costs they couldn’t cover,” Maury said.
“As a self-funded association, that risk became unsustainable, and when a major sponsor like Safe Harbors pulled out due to the same lack of charter interest, the decision to cancel became inevitable.”
Maury said the broader implications extend well beyond the loss of a single event.
“This isn’t just about one cancelled event. It’s a clear signal that the current clearance system and fee structure are actively damaging the very industry the Bahamas relies on to thrive,” he said.
“Fewer yachts mean less economic activity, fewer jobs, and fewer opportunities for local businesses—especially in the Family Islands.”
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation Chester Cooper on Monday issued a statement confirming that the government would review boating fees and entry protocols.
“The Bahamas has built its global reputation on a foundation of warmth, openness, and a seamless partnership with those who visit our waters. Our priority is to protect that reputation and ensure the economic prosperity of the Bahamians who depend on it,” Cooper said.
He acknowledged that the government had received feedback from stakeholders across several major boating destinations.
“Over the past several weeks, we have listened closely to the concerns expressed by our marina operators, tour guides, service providers and small business owners – particularly in Abaco, Bimini, and The Exumas – regarding recent changes to the regulatory framework affecting our boating sector,” Cooper said.
“We have also heard reports of cancellations and the sentiment from some visitors that they felt unwelcome.”
Cooper said the matter had been discussed with Prime Minister Philip Davis and that specific issues had been identified.
“After discussions with Prime Minister Davis on the issues that have arisen, key notes of concern have been identified, and there will be a review of the current framework and its implementation,” he said.
While defending the original intent of the policy, Cooper said adjustments would be assessed.
“It is important to note that these measures formed part of a broader policy approach, driven by considerations of regulation, environmental stewardship, and building infrastructure for the sustainable management of our maritime space,” he said.
“The Ministry of Tourism is focused on ensuring that The Bahamas remains one of the most welcoming and competitive destinations in the region for boating visitors.”
Cooper said the review would involve multiple ministries and would examine both implementation and economic impact.
“To that end, I will be working closely with my Cabinet colleagues, the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Transport, as we advance a review of the process and its ultimate competitiveness. The aim is to assess the framework, its implementation, and its impacts,” he said.
He expressed confidence that dialogue would lead to a constructive outcome.
“I am confident that through dialogue, cooperation, and good faith, we can arrive at an outcome that reflects our values, protects our interests, and reaffirms to the world that The Bahamas remains open, responsive, and ready to welcome all who wish to responsibly enjoy our waters.”
Maury commenting on the review announcement said: “This is encouraging news. The Association of Bahamas Marinas welcomes this as a positive signal and an opportunity to help rebuild and strengthen the industry for Bahamians. We look forward to working collaboratively with the Government to develop a process that is both economically viable and operationally efficient, while supporting sustainable growth and long-term success for the sector.”
Industry criticism over the boating fees has also come from political figures in Abaco, where boating activity is a major economic driver. Jeremy Sweeting, Free National Movement candidate for Central and South Abaco, said increased cruising permit fees are already hurting local communities.
“In Abaco, marinas are not amenities. They are the heartbeat of our communities. When slips are full, communities thrive but when marinas sit empty, the damage spreads quickly and quietly,” Sweeting said.
“Today, the message is unmistakable. Cruisers are staying away from Abaco and from The Bahamas because of drastic increases in cruising permit fees. Marina operators across Abaco are feeling it, and the empty slips tell the story better than any press release.”
Sweeting argued that the policy was implemented without adequate consultation and warned that reduced visitor numbers would ultimately weaken revenue rather than strengthen it.
