Fresh off another record-breaking year for tourism, The Bahamas is setting its sights even higher on the Canadian market.

Latia Duncombe, Director General of Tourism for The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism visited Toronto to meet with airline, tourism and travel advisor partners, including hosting the destination’s annual Captain’s Dinner to recognize the trade’s contribution to its success.

Duncombe said Canadian travel advisors continue to play a critical role in the destination’s growth strategy as demand from Canada reaches new highs.

“Our travel advisors have always been a staple in everything that we’ve done and everything that we continue to do,” she said. “Tonight, we’re having a Captain’s Dinner at Aria Ristorante to show our appreciation for our travel advisors and airline and tour operator partners. It’s because of them that we have the quality of life that we do in The Bahamas. For us, we’re grateful.”

The visit comes as The Bahamas builds on three consecutive years of record-breaking tourism performance, welcoming a record 12.5 million visitors in 2025. Canadian demand continues to accelerate, with air arrivals rising more than 11% in 2025 and more than 30% in the first quarter of 2026.

To celebrate the summer season, The Bahamas is currently offering US$250 in instant savings per room on eligible air-inclusive vacation packages of four or more consecutive nights. The offer is valid on new bookings made by Aug. 15, 2026, for travel between Aug. 15 through Nov. 15, 2026. Click here for full details. 

Seeing the sights in Nassau

Why Canadians Keep Coming Back

While sunshine and beaches remain major draws, Duncombe said repeat visitation is being driven by experiences that go far beyond the shoreline.

“The Bahamas is unique,” she said. “We always share that we have 700 islands, more than 2,000 cays, stretched across 100,000 square miles of water. Thirty of those islands are inhabited and 16 of them we promote in tourism. Each island has its own culture, history and flair, giving visitors the opportunity to enjoy what is essentially a multi-destination vacation within one country.”

She noted that Canadian travellers are increasingly seeking nature-based and authentic experiences, making destinations beyond Nassau especially appealing.

“When we look at the Canadian market, they enjoy more nature-based activities. They enjoy the outdoors,” she said. “Beyond the beaches and experiences on the water, they enjoy snorkeling, caves in Grand Bahama, boating, fishing and diving. They’re able to experience the true essence of the destination.”

The Out Islands continue to gain popularity by offering quieter escapes centred around outdoor adventure, private aviation, boating and eco-tourism.

Duncombe also believes Bahamian culture is becoming an increasingly important part of the destination’s appeal.

“We’ve always tried to lean into our culture and our history so that we’re showing visitors what we have to offer beyond the shoreline,” she said.

Among the signature cultural experiences are Junkanoo celebrations, held on Boxing Day, New Year’s Day and throughout the summer during the Goombay Summer Festival. Visitors can also experience the country’s heritage through immersive attractions such as the Junkanoo Museum and community-based cultural experiences.

Another longstanding initiative is the destination’s People-to-People Program, which pairs visitors with local volunteer ambassadors for a day of authentic Bahamian life.

“The program has been around for more than 50 years,” said Duncombe. “You’re able to experience a day in the life of a Bahamian. People make lifelong friendships through it.”

Expanded Airlift From Canada

Duncombe credits much of the destination’s recent growth to strong air connectivity, supported by healthy demand and high load factors.

“Absolutely, a lot of it comes from demand because to sustain the airlift you need strong load factors,” she said.

During peak travel periods, The Bahamas receives more than 45 weekly flights from Canada serving Nassau, Grand Bahama, Exuma and San Salvador.

Year-round service is available from Toronto to Nassau and Grand Bahama, and from Montreal to Nassau and Grand Bahama, while seasonal service operates from Calgary, Halifax and Ottawa to Nassau. Toronto also offers seasonal service to Exuma, while Montreal has seasonal service to San Salvador.

Duncombe said the ministry continues working closely with airline partners to support additional service.

“We’re seeing new routes opening up and new markets becoming available because of the strong airlift through the Canadian market,” she said. “It’s another way to get to the islands of The Bahamas.”

Arriving in the Exumas

Maintaining Ties

Although changing travel patterns have benefited many Caribbean destinations, Duncombe said The Bahamas’ success has been built on decades of market investment rather than short-term shifts.

The destination has maintained a tourism office in Canada since 1968 and continues to leverage its international presence to strengthen relationships with trade partners and consumers alike.

“In the midst of everything that’s going on, there’s a huge opportunity for growth,” she said. “Our locals are even more excited and ready to welcome visitors to our shores.”

She added that travellers increasingly value destinations where they feel welcomed, safe and appreciated.

“Some visitors may say, ‘I don’t want to travel too far from home. I want a destination that will welcome me. I want to feel valued and safe when I travel.’ The Bahamas checks all those boxes.”

Advisors At The Centre Of It All

Supporting the travel trade remains a major focus for the ministry.

Duncombe pointed to the Bahamas Specialist Program, which has recently been revamped with updated content, multiple specialization opportunities and enhanced incentives for advisors.

“The first thing is you have to know, understand and experience what you’re selling,” she said.

The ministry also continues investing in FAM trips, destination education and marketing support to help advisors sell the destination with confidence.

“When you speak truth and you speak it organically, you can sell it so much more,” said Duncombe. “I can show you a photo and tell you The Bahamas is beautiful. But if I’ve twinkled my toes in the water and experienced the destination firsthand, then I’m going to sell it differently.”

Travel advisors can also take advantage of digital tools that help them plan trips more easily. The ministry recently updated the Bahamas.com website with AI-powered itinerary planning that can recommend islands, accommodations, flights and activities based on travellers’ interests.

“You can say, ‘I’m from Toronto, I enjoy the outdoors and I want to go bonefishing,’ and it will build an itinerary for you,” said Duncombe. “It gives you flight options, accommodations and the islands that best fit what you’re looking for.”

But nothing, she added, will ever take the place of travel advisors, who clients continue to place significant trust in. 

“What we’ve seen post-COVID is that people want to travel with people they trust,” she said. “Travel advisors have a very strong database and their clients value their feedback immensely.”

Andros Island, the largest island in the Bahamas, is known as the Blue Hole Capital of the World

What's New In The Bahamas

The Bahamas continues to expand its luxury tourism offering with several high-profile resort developments in the pipeline. On Grand Bahama, the highly anticipated Six Senses Grand Bahama is expected to open in 2026, bringing the wellness-focused brand to the destination with approximately 70 guest accommodations, branded residences, a spa and multiple dining venues. 

Also slated for 2026 is Montage Cay, the brand’s first private-island resort, featuring all-suite accommodations, including overwater bungalows, seven beaches, a marina, signature dining and Spa Montage in The Abacos. 

Looking ahead, Banyan Tree is expected to make its Caribbean debut in Bimini in 2027 with a luxury resort and residences on Rockwell Island, while Rosewood Exuma is scheduled to open in 2028 on the private island of East Sampson Cay with 33 suites, six restaurants, an expansive wellness sanctuary, a beach club and two marinas.

For more information about travel to The Bahamas, go to bahamas.com.

Source: Travelweek
Lead image caption: Latia Duncombe, Director General of Tourism for The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, in Toronto, July 16, 2026