Tourism Corporation Bonaire (TCB) has shared preliminary tourism data for October 2024, revealing that Bonaire received 14,406 stayover visitors during the month. This marks an increase of 6.6% compared to October 2023, when 13,520 visitors arrived. This figure also surpasses the pre-pandemic visitor count of October 2019, which recorded 12,200 visitors.

The annual Regatta Bonaire significantly boosted October’s visitor numbers, particularly attracting visitors from neighboring islands. In October 2023, Bonaire saw 2,699 visitors from Curaçao and 372 from Aruba for the event. This year, those numbers rose by 10.8% and 66.7%, respectively, with 2,992 visitors from Curaçao and 620 from Aruba, demonstrating the festival’s increasing appeal in the region.

Dutch visitors remained the largest segment, totaling 6,719 and accounting for 46.6% of total visitors. Curaçao followed with 2,992 visitors (20.8%), and the United States accounted for 2,229 visitors (15.5%). Notably, the number of Aruban visitors nearly doubled from October 2023, increasing from 372 to 620 in 2024. Other significant visitor contributions came from Germany, Belgium, Canada, Switzerland, and Brazil.

Among U.S. visitors, most originated from states such as Florida, California, Texas, Georgia, Virginia, North Carolina, Colorado, Pennsylvania, and New York. The predominant age groups among U.S. visitors were 55-64 (27.5%) and over 65 (22.6%), highlighting Bonaire’s strong appeal to mature travelers. Dutch visitors primarily hailed from North Holland, South Holland, and North Brabant, with leading age groups being 55-65 (20.5%) and 45-54 (19.0%).

In terms of cruise visitors, Bonaire welcomed 25,216 in June 2024 (from 6 cruise ships), 23,785 in July (from 6 cruise ships), 30,261 in August (from 7 cruise ships), and 19,288 in September (from 5 cruise ships).

For more detailed statistics and insights into Bonaire’s tourism performance, please visit our official website at www.bonaireisland.com or contact us via email at info@bonaireisland.com.

UPCOMING EVENTS IN NOVEMBER

DEMA SHOW | NOVEMBER 19th – 22nd, 2024

Bonaire will be proudly represented at the DEMA Show this year at Las Vegas, taking place from November 19-22, 2024, at the Las Vegas Convention Center. As the largest trade-only event for the diving, action water sports, and travel industries, the DEMA Show is the perfect opportunity for Bonaire to showcase its breathtaking underwater landscapes, world-renowned dive sites, and dedication to marine conservation. Known for its crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and pioneering eco-friendly initiatives, Bonaire is a diver’s paradise.

Attendees of the DEMA Show will have the chance to connect with Bonaire’s tourism experts, explore new dive packages, and learn why this Caribbean island remains one of the top diving destinations worldwide. Be sure to visit the Bonaire Pavilion at the DEMA Show 2024 in Las Vegas and dive deep in the beauty and excitement that Bonaire has to offer!

SCOTT APPELT AND SUSAN RING WERE RECOGNIZED AS BONAIRE AMBASSADORS IN OCTOBER

Bonaire is teeming with exciting opportunities thanks to businesses like you, so you deserve to be discovered. Advertising with us puts your name as one of our trusted recommendations, providing guests a better idea of what they have in store. Join us in sharing your knowledge with our visitors, helping them uncover the idyllic experience they’ve been searching for.

The Bonaire Bond is a designed destination pledge inviting visitors to sign a promise to travel responsibly and respect the island with a goal to sustain Bonaire’s natural appeal for years to come. The Bond is designed to serve as a reminder of how critical sustainable tourism is to the livelihood of its local community and to take it a step further, the island will reinvest in its conservation efforts by adopting a coral tree through the Reef Renewal Foundation on behalf of visitors that commit to this cause with their signature.

Help us spread the word about the Bonaire Bond and our island’s commitment to sustainable tourism.

When visiting Bonaire visitors are required to pay a modest fee of $75 per visit to contribute to the preservation and development of our island.

To make the process seamless, visit Bonaire’s official website: https://tourismtax.bonairegov.com. Paying your Visitor Entry Tax before arrival will ensure a smooth and fast experience at the airport, providing you with peace of mind and allowing you to focus on the incredible adventure that awaits you.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation. Thank you for being part of our community, and we look forward to welcoming you with open arms to the radiant shores of Bonaire.