Tourism Corporation Bonaire (TCB), in collaboration
with Openbaar Lichaam Bonaire (OLB), Bonaire Hotel and Tourism Association
(BONHATA), and Harbor Master (OLB), organized the Bonaire Tourism Overview for
2025 and 2026 Outlook on February 27th, 2026, at Delfins Beach Resort.
"We want to make the shift from quantity to quality. Our focus must be on visitors
who respect and support our environment, culture, and community,” said Patricia
Veen, Advisor Commissioner Weber.
“During our Tourism Overview, we took the time to reflect transparently on 2025,
sharing the latest tourism figures, market performance, and the broader economic
impact of the sector on Bonaire. At the same time, we presented our focus for 2026,
outlining our objectives, KPI’s, priorities, and strategic initiatives for the year ahead.
The discussion was open and constructive. We welcomed critical questions and
meaningful dialogue, because taking Bonaire’s tourism industry seriously means
being honest about both opportunities and challenges. Sustainable tourism does not
happen automatically; it requires deliberate choices, clear policy direction, and
strong collaboration.
As we look ahead, our commitment remains clear: to manage tourism responsibly by
focusing on value, visitor experience, and long-term sustainability. This can only be
achieved together with the government, our industry partners, and the island
community. Tourism must continue to generate economic impact while protecting
what makes Bonaire unique. That balance is our shared responsibility and our
shared ambition.” Elësier Angel, CEO, Tourism Corporation Bonaire
“Bonaire achieved a significant milestone in 2025, returning to pre-COVID hotel
occupancy levels with strong revenue growth. While this demonstrates the sector’s
resilience, BONHATA emphasizes that sustainable tourism development requires
deliberate planning and strategic collaboration across the industry. Growth is not
dependent on expanding accommodation capacity, but rather on targeted marketing,
improved visitor distribution, enhanced product offerings, and close cooperation
between the government, TCB, airline partners, and local accommodations.
BONHATA underscores that clear tourism policy is essential, as without it, tourism
risks developing in an uncoordinated manner, shaped by external pressures rather
than the island’s own vision, which is critical to ensuring development remains
balanced, sustainable, and beneficial for both the island and its community,” said
Veroesjka de Windt, CEO of BONHATA.
Günther Flanegin, Harbor Master, said: “We observed a change in demand in the
cruise industry on Bonaire in 2025, which was a positive and balanced year. The Ritz
Carlton and MSC Explora were among the smaller and more luxurious vessels that
arrived at the island. Also, we got the first Corendon ship, which made it possible for
cruise tourists to leave from Curaçao.”
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