Formerly known as Hog Island, Paradise Island in Nassau is experiencing massive international attention, drawing visitors from around the globe and breaking tourism records for the Bahamas.
What makes this island special is its perfect blend of luxury, adventure, and cultural experiences. Visitors easily fall in love with its pristine beaches, vibrant Caribbean nightlife, and world-class resorts like Atlantis and Baha Mar. Additionally, its international shopping scene attracts high-spending travelers from multiple countries.
Its rich history, showcased in landmarks like the Queen’s Staircase and Fort Charlotte, caters to travelers seeking to enjoy the Caribbean’s charm, seasoned with a bit of history and culture.
Here is a summary of what Joy Jibrilu, CEO of the Nassau Paradise Island Promotion Board, told Caribbean Journal about this island’s tourism and economic miracle.
The opening of the Nassau Cruise Port has been key to success as it not only boosted tourism but also prompted the opening of new restaurants, bars and shopping malls. Notably, these establishments are owned by the local community, something “unusual” in the Caribbean, according to those responsible for marketing the island abroad.
“The opening of the new cruise port has obviously caused exponential growth. But notwithstanding the hotel sector on Nassau and Paradise Island, they’re seeing such great occupancies and average daily rates that they’re having a phenomenal year. And so their fingers crossed that this continues and everyone, how do I say, we’re cautiously optimistic that it’s another good year for us.”
“All the offerings available in that space including the entertainment that takes place there every weekend are all local to The Bahamas and Nassau and Paradise Island,” said Jibrilu.
Another factor contributing to Nassau’s appeal to international visitors is its never-ending investment in innovation and new experiences, ensuring tourists feel like they are visiting a new destination every time they land on the island.
This approach applies not only to experiences but also to hotels, which consistently upgrade their facilities and offerings.
“We continue to grow all the things to do and see. So in addition to the hotel offering, it’s the value added, it’s the upgrades to the Queen’s Staircase.“ So when people come they say: “Oh, I was there five years ago. What’s new to see? And then come back and are absolutely amazed.”
Finally, we need to mention the increase in airlines and routes as a determining factor in the island’s recent success. Nassau Paradise Island now enjoys fresh connections with the West Coast through major US carriers.
The “opening up of the West Coast has been a game changer for us, and while we were looking forward to maybe one or two flights a week, we’re just thrilled when both Alaska Airlines and JetBlue came into the marketplace.”