KRALENDIJK – Bonaire’s economy grew by 6.3 percent in 2023, driven largely by strong performance in construction, energy, and hospitality. By contrast, St. Eustatius and Saba recorded economic contractions of 0.5 and 1.6 percent respectively, according to new figures from Statistics Netherlands (CBS).
On Bonaire, construction surged by 21.4 percent thanks to numerous building projects. The energy and utilities sector grew by 18.3 percent, while hospitality expanded by 8.8 percent, boosted by more cruise ship arrivals and a growing population. Air tourism dipped slightly, but cruise passenger numbers jumped from 285,000 to 392,000. Financial services also rose by 11.7 percent. Agriculture and mining, however, showed declines due to reduced foreign demand.
St. Eustatius saw a modest downturn as public administration, education, and health care contracted. Labour volume in government services fell by more than six percent, while a smaller student population and higher consumption weighed on education. Still, tourism offered a bright spot: inbound visitors increased by 3.6 percent, benefiting trade and hospitals.
Sharper contraction on Saba
On Saba, the contraction was sharper, mainly due to fewer students in education and a four percent drop in public administration jobs. Tourism improved slightly, with arrivals rising from 4,900 to 5,700, but remained well below pre-pandemic levels. Gains in hospitality and trade could not offset the losses in government and education.
