Bonaire’s tourism momentum cooled again in April, with the country reporting a slight year-on-year decline in overnight stays as growth in some of its largest source markets continued to stagnate.
According to preliminary data from Tourism Corporation Bonairethe island is welcome 18,778 visitors in April 2026comparison 18,858 visitors in April 2025decrease 0.4 percent.
These figures point to a relatively stable market, but one that is no longer expanding at the rapid rate Bonaire saw during the post-pandemic tourism rebound.
The Netherlands still leads tourism in Bonaire.
The Dutch Market remained Bonaire’s main source of visitors in April. 43.5% of all stays upon arrival.
the island received 8,176 visitors from Netherlands For a month.
The United States continued to rank as Bonaire’s second largest market. 4,140 visitorsrepresenting 22% Total number of arrivals.
Local traffic also remained significant. Curaçao creation 3,381 visitorsequivalence 18% of arrival.
Belgium contributes 527 visitorsAruba followed suit. 507Canada 388germany 274Swiss 219Colombia 136brazil 134And the UK 128.
The US market remains focused on leisure and diving.
The latest figures show Bonaire’s US market continues to lean heavily towards leisure and diving travel.
More than half of American visitors — 51.5% — I came here on vacation, while 37.1% I visited mainly for diving.
Most American travelers stayed in hotels, which 52.7% Accommodation for visitors from the United States. representative villa 14.3%The next apartment is in that order. 7.9% and private land 6.2%.
The countries with the highest concentrations of U.S. travelers are: California, Florida, New York, North Carolina, New Jersey.
Older travelers continue to make up a major portion of the U.S. market. between visitors 55 and 64 years old They comprised the largest American age group on the island. 22.2%Next were elderly travelers. 45~54 to 19.5%.
Dutch travelers continue to dominate long-term stay demand.
Dutch visitors continued to anchor Bonaire’s traditional extended-stay tourism sector.
Data shows that most travelers from the Netherlands arrived alone or with a partner.
Vacation travel takes up 72.3% Visit friends and family after arriving in the Netherlands 10.6% And a business trip 5.4%.
The hotel remains the most preferred accommodation choice for travelers to the Netherlands. 49.8%Then the apartment 13.3%stay with relatives 11.3%and villa 8.2%.
The biggest source regions in the Netherlands are: South Holland, North Holland, North Brabant, Gelderland, Utrecht.
The island’s Dutch mayor is also getting older. 45~54 accounting 18.5% of arrival 55-64 segment representing 17%.
A more mature stage of tourism
The April figures add to signs that Bonaire’s tourism sector may be entering a more mature phase of growth after years of increased demand.
The island continues to benefit from a strong loyalty among Dutch travelers and a steady flow of American dive visitors, especially from the East Coast and Florida. However, the latest data reflects a moderation in overall expansion as Caribbean destinations face a more competitive regional environment in 2026.
Bonaire’s tourism profile is concentrated among repeat travellers, dive tourists and long-stay visitors, especially older people from Europe and North America.
The average length of stay was also significantly higher among Dutch travelers than among Americans, according to data from Tourism Bonaire.
