Family Islands & Eco-Tourism

The Bahamas Sets the Stage for Winter Escapes with New Flights, Island Stays and Cultural Celebrations

New and expanded flights from Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Raleigh-Durham and Austin will serve Nassau, Exuma and Out Islands from December 2026 through summer 2027. Baymahni opened on Stocking Island, Exuma, and Bimini ranked No. 2 on Skyscanner's 2027 trending list.

Why it matters:Added U.S. airlift, new accommodation and a full events calendar point to stronger visitor demand across Nassau, Exuma and the Out Islands through winter and summer 2027. (Positive development)

Also reported by The Star, Belleville Intelligencer, Brockville Recorder & Times, SPH Audio

Baha Mar Foundation Brings Environmental Awareness to Culinary Festival

The Baha Mar Foundation joined environmental groups at a culinary festival in Nassau to showcase conservation work, including the Bahamas National Trust's native plant teas and a Perry Institute eco reef with 376 micro-fragmented corals off the Baha Mar property.

Why it matters:Resort-backed conservation partnerships with nonprofits and scientists show how Bahamian tourism operators are linking reef restoration and habitat protection to their public engagement and destination stewardship. (Positive development)

Aviation chief: More upgrades after Western Air’s resumption

Western Air will resume Nassau–North Eleuthera flights on November 2 after a month-long suspension over runway conditions. The aviation director said further upgrades are planned, including new beacons, lights, a fire vehicle and security equipment, under 26 Family Island airport projects.

Why it matters:Restored air service and planned airport upgrades support connectivity and tourism growth in Eleuthera, where foreign air arrivals are reported at record levels, and signal continued public and private airport investment. (Positive development)

Guana Cay resort suffers 300 hours without power in month

A Guana Cay resort owner estimates his business has had over 300 hours without power since September 1, spending more than $5,000 on generator fuel last month and putting plans for six more villas on hold until supply is dependable or solar is installed.

Why it matters:Unreliable utility power on an out-island is raising operating costs, cancelling bookings and delaying hospitality expansion, which bears on investment decisions and utility infrastructure priorities. (Negative development)

Green paper targets tourism businesses’ access to customers

A government green paper on Grand Bahama's development proposes examining whether booking arrangements, excursion networks and commercial agreements let smaller Bahamian tourism businesses reach visitors and retain a viable return. It covers accommodation providers, guides, restaurants, retailers and cultural enterprises.

Why it matters:Any resulting policy could affect how distribution channels and commercial terms are structured for small tourism operators in Grand Bahama, including cruise excursion and booking arrangements. (Neutral development)