PM: “We Have To Fix The Backbone Of The Industry”

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The Family Islands and their potential for expanded airlift are being described as the next frontier for tourism growth.

But Prime Minister Philip Davis says unlocking that potential will require greater initiative and collaboration from industry partners. Speaking to a room of tourism professionals, he emphasized that increasing airlift and opening new routes are essential to driving future success.

With more than nine million visitors arriving up to October this year, The Bahamas continues to solidify its position as a regional tourism leader. Still, the prime minister said there is room to grow, pointing to aviation as the backbone of the industry.

He explained that the government’s National Aviation Strategic Plan outlines how airports will be modernized, staff will be trained, and airlift will be expanded.

More than a dozen airports across the country are undergoing upgrades, including facilities in Cat Island, Exuma, Grand Bahama, Bimini, Eleuthera, Ragged Island, Long Island, and others,  the largest airport improvement wave in the nation’s history.

Davis told tourism stakeholders gathered for the Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association’s annual general meeting that airlift has increased by 20 percent since 2022. More than 45 new routes now connect The Bahamas to over 35 international cities, with airlines in Canada and the U.S. expanding service, including direct links to Family Island destinations.

But he also challenged industry leaders to play a larger role in shaping new airlift opportunities. He urged them not to depend solely on government action but instead bring data, ideas, and risk-sharing proposals to the table. Davis said if stakeholders identify new cities, schedules or aircraft that could open access to more islands, the government is ready to listen.