Tourism Corporation Bonaire celebrates 35 years, but Bonaire’s growth engine is stalling

KRALENDIJK– Tourism Corporation Bonaire (TCB) is celebrating its 35th anniversary this year, marking more than three decades of commitment to the sustainable development of tourism on Bonaire.

Since its founding in 1991, TCB has worked closely with the government, the private sector, civil society organizations, and local and international partners to position Bonaire as one of the most valued destinations in the Caribbean.

"This anniversary is first and foremost a celebration of our island and of everyone who has contributed to the development of tourism on Bonaire," says director Elesiër Angel. "Together we have built a destination that earns admiration worldwide."

Over the years, Bonaire’s tourism sector has experienced significant growth, with more visitors, improved international connections, a broader tourism offering, and global recognition for its marine environment, diving opportunities, and commitment to nature conservation. According to TCB, this progress is the result of the collective efforts of the entire community.

In recent years, TCB has, by its own account, evolved from a destination marketing organization into a destination management organization, focusing on strategic planning, sustainability, product development, air and cruise connectivity, research, and collaboration with a broad network of local and international partners.

Tourist growth comes to a halt

The anniversary comes at a notable moment, however. After years of spectacular growth, 2024 was still a record year with 182,181 overnight visitors, an increase of over 7% compared to 2023, the boom is over. Recent figures show that Bonaire received only 0.56% more visitors in the period January through May 2026 compared to the same period a year earlier.

The strong growth figures of previous years have thus ground to a halt. TCB itself acknowledged earlier this year that Bonaire is ‘staying closer to zero growth’, while neighboring island Curaçao recorded growth figures of 10 to 18% in the same period.

Industry association BONHATA stated in an analysis last week that the official figures paint too rosy a picture. Average hotel occupancy in the first five months of 2026 fell by around four percent, while the supply of vacation rentals through platforms such as Airbnb grew by 8.8 percent. The loss of flight connections with the United States is also a concern for the sector: the number of American overnight visitors fell by 11.7 percent in April.

Slowdown not viewed negatively by everyone

Not everyone on the island shares BONHATA’s concern. On social media, residents regularly respond that more moderate tourism growth is not necessarily a bad thing, and that pressure on nature, infrastructure, and quality of life has only increased in recent years. The slowdown in growth, as the argument goes, may actually give the island the space to catch its breath.