Bahamas records 5.9 million arrivals in 2012 and expects 7 million annually by 2015

The Bahamas Tourism Minister has announced that the island nation received a total of 5.9 million visitors in 2012 and is expecting to see seven million tourists taking Bahamas holidays every year by 2015. The figures show a 6.3 per cent increase in overall arrivals compared to 2011, and a 7.1 per cent rise in air arrivals.

The Bahamas Tourism Minister, Obie Wilchcombe, has announced that the island nation received a total of 5.9 million visitors in 2012. The minister said that the country is "on track" to receive seven million visitors every year by 2015, including the arrivals of tourists taking Bahamas holidays on cruise ships and those arriving by air.

The figures represent a 6.3 per cent increase in the number of overall arrivals compared to 2011, according to Clarence Rolle, the General Manager of Communications for the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism.

In 2012, 5,939,000 tourists took holidays in the Bahamas and the nation saw a 7.1 per cent rise in the number of travellers arriving by air, compared to the previous year.

"Last year the Bahamas ended the year with a record number again. That tells you we're about to head to the seven million I'm projecting in another two years," stated Wilchcombe.

The Bahamas is an island nation situated in the Atlantic Ocean, north of Cuba. The collection of islands boast unique pink and white sand beaches, The pink sandy beaches can be found on the main island of Grand Bahama and are created from a mix of fractured seashell and sand.

During holidays to the Bahamas, holidaymakers can visit the collection of tropical islands where they can relax on white sandy beaches that are fringed with swaying palm trees and crystal clear turquoise waters. Visitors can enjoy excellent snorkelling and scuba diving conditions in turquoise, crystal clear ocean waters, while the thriving national parks are perfect for exploring local wildlife, flora and fauna.

There are plenty of activities for visitors to enjoy, from tours of historic sites such as Pompey Museum of Slavery and Emancipation or the underwater limestone cave system, dolphin-watching excursions, and fun watersports including kayaking, sailing, deep sea fishing and surfing.

Tourists can choose from a wide selection of luxurious beachfront Bahamas hotels, resorts and charming BandBs.