Total stopover tourist arrivals to the Bahamas fell by 1.9 per cent to just over 1.112 million during the first eight months of 2005, a decline that contrasted with the growth enjoyed by some of its Caribbean competitors.
For the same January to August period, which was before the devastation inflicted by Hurricane Wilma, Cancun and Cozumel in Mexico both enjoyed 7.3 per cent growth in stopover arrivals compared to 2004. The Dominican Republic, enjoying a reputation as a low-cost destination, also saw 7.2 per cent growth in stopover arrivals.
Elsewhere, Trinidad & Tobago and the USA Virgin Islands saw stopover arrivals growth of 8.1 per cent and 8.3 per cent respectively. Even Aruba, which has suffered immense negative publicity over the Natalee Holloway disappearance, enjoyed 8.1 per cent growth during the 2005 first half.
The decline in the Bahamas’ stopover arrivals growth is likely to prove of some concern for the Government and tourism officials, as it again raises questions over whether this nation is really growing as a tourism destination.
As for cruise passenger visitor arrivals, the decline has been even more pronounced. Cruise arrivals for the Bahamas during the first eight months of 2005 to August fell by 8.6 per cent to 2.229 million.
Again, this contrasted with the 4.2 per cent growth enjoyed in the 2005 first half by Cozumel. Bermuda saw a 9.7 per cent growth in cruise passenger arrivals, while St. Maarten and the Cayman Islands also experienced an upswing.
By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor
