Bonaire’s tourism sector grew again in May with a slight increase in overnight stays after a poor performance last month.
According to preliminary figures released by Tourism Corporation Bonaire, the island 15,201 air arrivals in May 2026comparison 14,962 visitors in May 2025representative 1.6% increase Upon non-residential arrival.
The increase follows a weak April for Dutch Caribbean destinations, suggesting demand has stabilized as the islands move into the summer travel period.
The Dutch market continues to lead.
The Netherlands remained Bonaire’s main source market in May. 46.3% of all visitors.
The United States was the island’s second largest market. 27.1% of arrival. Curaçao took third place. 11.3%It was followed by Germany, Aruba, Belgium, Brazil, Colombia, Switzerland and Canada.
The data highlights Bonaire’s continued dependence on Dutch travelers, who generated almost half of all stayover arrivals during the month.
US travelers remain a key segment.
The largest concentrations of US visitors come from: Florida, Texas, California, New York, North CarolinaAccording to the tourism office.
U.S. travelers continue to exhibit a distinctly leisure-oriented travel profile. The biggest reason to visit Bonaire was holiday travel, followed by diving. Far fewer people arrived to visit friends or relatives or for other purposes.
Demographic data also showed a mature traveler base. The largest segments of visitors from the United States are: 55 and 64 years old and 65 years or olderIt highlights Bonaire’s enduring appeal among experienced leisure travelers and divers.
The hotel continues to receive the most visitors.
Hotels remained the dominant lodging choice for both Dutch and American visitors.
Among U.S. travelers, hotels accounted for the overwhelming majority of lodging, far surpassing villas, apartments, private homes and stays with relatives.
The pattern was similar among visitors to the Netherlands, although apartments made up a slightly larger proportion of accommodation choices.
Dutch visitors stay longer
One of the most notable findings from the May report was the difference in length of stay between the island’s two largest visitor markets.
On average, travelers to the Netherlands stayed at approx. 11 nightsThe average American visitor is approximately 7 nights On the island.
This pattern of longer stays has long been one of the strengths of Bonaire’s tourism sector, generating higher visitor spending per trip and longer stays in hotels and holiday accommodation.
Positive changes since April
The May numbers do not indicate explosive growth. But a return to positive territory after a weak April is a welcome development for the destination.
The latest figures indicate the tourism sector has regained momentum ahead of the traditionally important summer season, as the Netherlands continues to generate high visitor numbers and the United States maintains its position as Bonaire’s second largest market.
