A host of events will mark this important anniversary with the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism using WTM London to highlight these festivities to the travel trade.

Latia Duncombe, acting director general of the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investment and Aviation, said: “2023 is a big year for the Bahamas as we celebrate 50 years of independence. We have celebrations planned throughout the year to mark the occasion and we are looking forward to sharing this news.

“World Travel Market London is an important event for the Islands of the Bahamas. With British Airways and Virgin Atlantic both increasing their flight schedules from Heathrow to Nassau, the Bahamas is now more accessible than ever, and we are ready to share our 16 beautiful islands and show our travel partners why ‘It’s Better in the Bahamas’.”

The Bahamas has bounced back strongly over recent months, and forward bookings for travel between August and November 2022 were up by 1.3% on 2019’s figures. Arrivals from the US, the destination’s top international market, have been particularly strong, with a 15% rise on pre-Covid figures.

Although airline seat capacity has not yet returned to 2019 levels, the islands are benefiting from increased capacity from US carriers such as United Airlines and Frontier. There has also been a rise in capacity from Latin America with Copa Airlines adding services to the Bahamas.

The Bahamas will be further boosted by the grand opening of the Goldwynn Resort & Residences on Cable Beach, New Providence, in early 2023. This follows the launch of the 300-room Margaritaville Beach Resort in downtown Nassau in 2021.

Sandals Royal Bahamian Resort and Hurricane Hole Superyacht Marina have also both reopened to guests after major renovations during 2022.