Welcome to Bonaire 13,387 visitors in JuneAccording to preliminary data published by tourism agency Bonaire.
The total is 1.6% decrease Since June last year, 13,606 guests have visited the Dutch Caribbean island.
The Netherlands remains Bonaire’s largest source market, while the United States continues to account for nearly a third of all arrivals.
Netherlands and USA arrive first
Bonaire reception 5,389 visitors from NetherlandsThis represents 40.3% of total stay arrivals during the month.
The United States was the second largest source market. 4,163 visitorsIt is 31.1% of the total.
Curaçao received an additional 1,893 visitors, accounting for 14.1% of total visitors. Aruba followed with 264 visitors, followed by Belgium with 230 visitors.
Other source markets include Colombia with 166 visitors, Germany with 153, Canada with 100, Switzerland with 94, Argentina with 94 and Brazil with 84.
These figures continue to demonstrate Bonaire’s dependence on its three main markets: the Netherlands, the United States and neighboring Curaçao. Together, the three markets accounted for more than 85% of the island’s stay-at-home traffic in June.
Diving remains a major interest for visitors to the United States.
According to Tourism Bonaire data, most American visitors traveled to Bonaire with a partner, followed by those traveling alone.
Vacation travel accounted for 48.5% of visits to the United States; 40.3% of U.S. travelers said diving was their main reason for visiting the island.. Another 3.1% traveled to visit friends and family.
Bonaire has long been one of the Caribbean’s premier diving destinations, known for its coastal dive sites, marine parks, and dive resorts. The June figures show just how vital the island’s appeal is to the US market.
Hotels were the most popular lodging category among U.S. travelers, accounting for 58.6% of all stays. Villas accounted for 11.6%, followed by privately owned properties at 7.3%, apartments at 5.6%, and relatives’ houses at 4.1%.
The largest number of visitors from the United States come from: Florida, Texas, California, Pennsylvania, North Carolina.
Travelers aged 45-64 were one of the most prominent segments, with 20.6% in the 45-54 age group and 19.8% in the 55-64 age group.
Visitors to the Netherlands prefer holiday and extended stay accommodation.
Visitors to the Netherlands were most likely to travel alone, followed by those traveling with a partner.
Holidays were the main reason for 70% of arrivals in the Netherlands. Visiting friends or family accounted for 10.4%, and business trips accounted for 6.8%.
The hotel accommodated 51.3% of visitors from the Netherlands. Apartments accounted for 13%, relatives’ houses 11%, privately owned properties 5.4% and villas 4.5%.
The strongest Dutch provincial markets are: South Holland, North Holland, North Brabant, Gelderland, Utrecht.
Visitors aged between 55 and 64 constituted the largest Dutch age group at 23.5%. Travelers aged 25 to 34 followed at 20.6%.
Slight decline in traditionally quiet months
The slight year-on-year decline in June comes as Bonaire continues to attract a relatively balanced mix of leisure travelers, divers, property owners and those visiting friends and family.
The island’s tourist economy is closely tied to the hotel and diving sectors, with hotels catering to mostly American and Dutch visitors.
Although total arrivals declined slightly, the data showed continued strength in the United States. The United States attracted more than 4,000 visitors during the month and remains Bonaire’s largest market outside of the Netherlands.
