Tourism Corporation Bonaire organized its Tourism Overview for 2025 and 2026 Outlook

Joint Stakeholder Information Session

 Tourism Corporation Bonaire (TCB), in collaboration with Openbaar Lichaam Bonaire (OLB), Bonaire Hotel and Tourism Association (BONHATA), and Harbor Master (OLB), organized the Bonaire Tourism Overview for 2025 and 2026 Outlook on February 27th, 2026, at Delfins Beach Resort.

“We want to make the shift from quantity to quality. Our focus must be on visitors who respect and support our environment, culture, and community,” said Patricia Veen, Advisor Commissioner Weber.

“During our Tourism Overview, we took the time to reflect transparently on 2025, sharing the latest tourism figures, market performance, and the broader economic impact of the sector on Bonaire. At the same time, we presented our focus for 2026, outlining our objectives, KPI’s, priorities, and strategic initiatives for the year ahead.

The discussion was open and constructive. We welcomed critical questions and meaningful dialogue, because taking Bonaire’s tourism industry seriously means being honest about both opportunities and challenges. Sustainable tourism does not happen automatically; it requires deliberate choices, clear policy direction, and strong collaboration.

As we look ahead, our commitment remains clear: to manage tourism responsibly by focusing on value, visitor experience, and long-term sustainability. This can only be achieved together with the government, our industry partners, and the island community. Tourism must continue to generate economic impact while protecting what makes Bonaire unique. That balance is our shared responsibility and our shared ambition.” Elësier Angel, CEO, Tourism Corporation Bonaire

“Bonaire achieved a significant milestone in 2025, returning to pre-COVID hotel occupancy levels with strong revenue growth. While this demonstrates the sector’s resilience, BONHATA emphasizes that sustainable tourism development requires deliberate planning and strategic collaboration across the industry. Growth is not dependent on expanding accommodation capacity, but rather on targeted marketing, improved visitor distribution, enhanced product offerings, and close cooperation between the government, TCB, airline partners, and local accommodations. BONHATA underscores that clear tourism policy is essential, as without it, tourism risks developing in an uncoordinated manner, shaped by external pressures rather than the island’s own vision, which is critical to ensuring development remains balanced, sustainable, and beneficial for both the island and its community,” said Veroesjka de Windt, CEO of BONHATA.

Günther Flanegin, Harbor Master, said: “We observed a change in demand in the cruise industry on Bonaire in 2025, which was a positive and balanced year. The Ritz Carlton and MSC Explora were among the smaller and more luxurious vessels that arrived at the island. Also, we got the first Corendon ship, which made it possible for cruise tourists to leave from Curaçao.”

For additional information, send an email to marketing@bonaireisland.com.