At a Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) rally in Abaco on Wednesday night, Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation Chester Cooper boasted of record tourism numbers under the Davis administration.
“International tourism travel demand to The Bahamas showed clear momentum on Forward Keys in March 2026, with total international bookings increasing by 11 percent year over year,” Cooper said.
“Lynden Pindling International Airport had its best March ever in the history of the airport with more than 211,000 arrivals, 7.5 percent better than last year.”
Cooper said a sharp rise — 36 percent — in travelers from Canada drove the overall uptick.
He said there was also a nine percent increase in travelers from the United States.
Nationally, Cooper said preliminary results should a 5.2 percent increase in air arrivals, more than 512,000 for the month.
He noted Abaco has already seen 31,000 tourists for the year, as he reference the government’s decision to walk back its increased boating fees after strong backlash.
“The boaters are back,” Cooper said.
“I looked across the marina, and what a beauty it was to behold.”
In April, updated boating and cruising permit fees for pleasure vessels based on length and duration, generally restructured costs to range from $150 to $600 for 30-day permits.
A drastic hike in the fees last year led to reports of a significant dropoff in business within the industry.
In response to the recent reversal, Association of Bahamas Marinas (ABM) President Peter Maury said it does not reverse the damage that’s already been done.
Cooper, however, said the government’s strategizing is paying off.
“When others cried doom and gloom, we pivoted,” he said.
“We strategized.”
Cooper said there is $1.9 billion in investment flowing into Abaco.
“As someone who has sat at the table, reviewed the projects, negotiated the terms, I can tell you this personally — the investment coming to Abaco is real, and it is structured to benefit you.”
Cooper said Abaco is part of a broader story of investments poured into The Bahamas.
“Across this administration, [we have] 175 major investment projects approved, $15 billion in capital, over 20,000 jobs projected, significant business and ownership opportunities.
“And Abaco is right in the middle of that growth — new marina investments, resort expansions, real estate growth, construction growth and more coming.”
