Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation, the Hon. Chester Cooper recently commented of the growth of tourism on the island of Grand Bahama.

Cooper said by the end of this year Grand Bahama will be the fastest growing tourism market in the country. This is due in part to the expected tourist arrival numbers from the newly opened Celebration Key Cruise Port. Air arrivals to the island have also increased by 20% over last year.

Cooper said, “I remind you that 2024 was a record setting year. So 20% ahead of 2024 puts Grand Bahama island as the fastest growing island by air arrivals.”

The minister attributed the growth to the government’s commitment to the island and support from res. “Sometime ago I expressed optimism about the economy of Grand Bahama and people made jokes, they thought I was playing politics. I made no apologies for it then, I make no apologies for it now. We’re seeing it in the numbers. We’re seeing it in the growth of air arrivals. We’re seeing it in the growth of cruise arrivals. We’re seeing it in growth in the cash registers of tour operators and taxi drivers and mom and pop shops. And I am delighted to have been involved along with Prime Minister Davis in driving this vision for the renaissance of Grand Bahama Island.”