Bonaire’s tourism officials and industry leaders are signaling a shift in strategy for the island’s tourism sector, emphasizing different types of visitors and long-term sustainability as the destination charts its course for the next two years.
The direction has recently been decided. Bonaire Tourism Overview for Outlook 2025 and 2026.
The meeting brought together government officials, hotel leaders and tourism stakeholders to review the island’s tourism performance in 2025 and discuss future priorities.
Officials said the island is intentionally focusing on visitors who contribute more to the local economy while respecting the island’s environment and culture.
“I want to shift from quantity to quality” Patricia Veen, Advisor to Director Nina den Heyer Weber. “Our focus must be on visitors who respect and support our environment, culture and communities.”
A transparent view of tourism performance
During the session, Tourism Bonaire officials presented the latest tourism figures, market trends and the wider economic impact of the sector.
The meeting also served as a platform to introduce the island’s tourism priorities for 2026, including strategic initiatives, performance indicators and policy objectives to drive the industry’s development.
According to Tourism Organization Bonaire CEO Elësier AngelThe discussion included both the successes and challenges facing the sector.
“In our tourism overview, we took the time to transparently look back to 2025, sharing the latest tourism figures, market performance and the wider economic impact the sector is having on Bonaire,” said Angel.
“At the same time, we laid out our focus for 2026, outlining our goals, KPIs, priorities and future strategic initiatives for 2026.”
Angel explained that the discussions included important questions from industry stakeholders and that the dialogue was part of a broader effort to ensure that tourism development on the island was managed intentionally and thoughtfully.
“Sustainable tourism doesn’t happen on its own,” he said. “It requires intentional choices, clear policy direction and strong cooperation.”
Return to pre-pandemic hotel performance
One of the key takeaways from the meeting was the continued recovery of the island’s hotel sector.
According to Bonaire Hotels and Tourism Associationthe island is back Pre-pandemic hotel occupancy rate in 2025With strong growth in tourism revenues.
The association said this milestone reflects the resilience of Bonaire’s tourism industry following the disruption to global travel caused by the pandemic.
At the same time, industry leaders emphasized that the next phase of tourism development should focus more on strengthening a destination’s overall tourism product rather than adding new accommodation.
“Growth does not depend on expanding accommodation.” BONHATA CEO Veroesjka de Windt.
Instead, she pointed to targeted marketing efforts, improved visitor distribution across the island, improved tourist experiences, and closer collaboration between government agencies, airlines and local accommodations.
De Windt also emphasized the importance of a clear policy framework guiding tourism development.
Without that direction, she warned, tourism could develop in ways that are inconsistent with the island’s long-term vision.
“Without a clear policy, tourism risks developing in an uncoordinated way, driven by external pressures rather than the island’s own vision,” she said.
Changing trends in the cruise sector
According to , the island’s cruise industry will also see notable changes in 2025. Port Master Günther Flaginin.
Flanegin said Bonaire welcomed several people. small luxury shipThis reflects changes in demand within the cruise market.
We ship from brands including: The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection and MSC Explore Travel Visitors to the island during the year represented the luxury sector of the cruise industry.
The island also welcomed this. The first Corendon cruise shipExpanding options for cruise passengers departing from nearby Curaçao.
Flanegin described this as a positive and balanced year for the cruise sector.
“We have observed changes in demand in the Bonaire cruise industry in 2025,” he said. “It was a positive and balanced year.”
Balance between growth and protection
Throughout the discussion, tourism leaders repeatedly emphasized the need to balance economic growth and environmental protection.
Bonaire has long been known for its protected marine parks, coral reefs and strong conservation policies, making it one of the most environmentally friendly destinations in the Caribbean.
Officials said the island’s tourism strategy moving forward will continue to prioritize visitor experience, sustainability and long-term economic value, rather than simply increasing visitor numbers.
Angel said achieving this balance requires continued collaboration between government agencies, tourism organizations and local businesses.
“Our commitment to managing tourism responsibly with a focus on value, visitor experience and long-term sustainability is clear,” he said.
“Tourism must continue to generate economic impact while protecting what makes Bonaire unique.”
