Following an extraordinary tourism year that saw a record-breaking 12.5 million visitors — the highest total ever recorded — The Bahamas leveraged this momentum and a range of strategic tourism initiatives at Seatrade Cruise Global Conference 2026, held April 13–16 at the Miami Beach Convention Center, to further elevate its position as a leading force in the global cruise industry.
Against this backdrop of sustained growth, Parliamentary Secretary John Pinder, alongside Director General Latia Duncombe, engaged in a series of strategic meetings and industry discussions aimed at redefining the cruise experience, attracting new investments and partnerships, exploring opportunities for cruise conversion, and reinforcing The Bahamas as a premier destination for travelers worldwide.
Latia Duncombe, Director General of Tourism, said The Bahamas’ engagement at Seatrade Cruise Global 2026 reinforced the destination’s commitment to purposeful growth and long- term leadership in the cruise industry. “The continued momentum of our cruise sector is a direct reflection of the strategic and collaborative work being undertaken across our destination to deliver a tourism product that meets the expectations of today’s global traveler,” said Duncombe. “Seatrade Cruise Global 2026 gave us a valuable opportunity to showcase the investments, innovation and partnerships that are elevating the cruise experience in The Bahamas and positioning us for a stronger, more sustainable future.”
Over the four-day event, the Bahamas Pavilion served as a collaborative hub, featuring partners from across the destination, including the Bahamas Maritime Authority, Grand Bahama Port Authority, Ministry for Grand Bahama, Nassau Cruise Port, Bimini Cruise Port, Baha Bay at Baha Mar, Atlantis Paradise Island, Fowlco Maritime & Project Services, ELnet Maritime Agency, Clifton National Heritage Park, Tourism Development Corporation, and Paradise Piers.
These stakeholders provided industry leaders with insights into the latest infrastructure advancements and upcoming projects designed to elevate the passenger experience. This unified presence underscores The Bahamas’ commitment to remaining at the forefront of the global cruise market through world-class service and innovation. From Nassau’s urban energy to the untouched beauty of The Out Islands, the delegation showcased a vision that ensures the archipelago’s islands and cays remain preserved for future generations of cruisers, supported by a resilient tourism model that balances economic growth with environmental stewardship.
The Bahamas maintained a high-profile presence throughout the week, beginning April 13 as a presenting sponsor of the CLIA Business on the Bay networking event at the Pérez Art Museum Miami. The event featured remarks by Pinder and showcased Bahamian culture with a pulsating Junkanoo performance and a live painting by Bahamian artist Stefan Legend, creating an immersive and memorable experience for attendees.
On April 15, BMOTIA hosted a press conference and breakfast at the Loews Miami Beach Hotel, where Director General Latia Duncombe and Director of Investments Phylicia Woods-Hanna engaged with media while sharing updates on upcoming projects, evolving industry trends, sustainability initiatives, and new island experiences designed to further diversify the nation’s tourism product.
Seatrade Cruise Global, the annual premier business-to-business event of the cruiseindustry, attracts thousands of registered attendees, hosts hundreds of exhibiting companies, welcomes representatives from numerous cruise line brands, and draws participants from countries around the world.
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