The Bahamas has witnessed an 8.5 percent increase in total visitor arrivals, reaching 7.4 million year-to-date, according to the Central Bank’s latest Monthly Economic and Financial Developments report. This growth was primarily fueled by a 10.5 percent surge in sea passengers, totaling 6.2 million, which compensated for a 1.3 percent drop in air arrivals to 1.1 million. However, July saw a 3.3 percent decline in overall arrivals to 1.1 million visitors, with sea passengers decreasing by 3.8 percent and air traffic slipping 0.9 percent. Regional disparities were evident, as Family Islands experienced a 9.7 percent contraction in arrivals, while Grand Bahama recorded a remarkable 26.1 percent rise, driven by significant increases in both air and sea traffic. Meanwhile, outbound departures from Nassau Airport fell 3.0 percent in August, with U.S. departures declining 5.1 percent and non-U.S. international departures rising 14.5 percent. Short-term vacation rentals also reflected broader tourism trends, with total room nights sold increasing 1.0 percent in August, despite a dip in occupancy rates. Average daily rates (ADR) continued to climb, with entire place listings up 11.8 percent and hotel-comparable listings rising 1.1 percent. Despite localized slowdowns, the tourism sector remains a cornerstone of the Bahamas’ economic growth, supported by robust sea passenger numbers and sustained rental revenue.