Bonaire’s tourism sector returned to growth in May, posting a modest increase in stayover arrivals after a softer performance the previous month.
According to preliminary figures released by Tourism Corporation Bonaire, the island welcomed 15,201 air arrivals in May 2026, compared to 14,962 visitors in May 2025, representing a 1.6 percent increase in non-resident arrivals.
The gain follows a weaker April for the Dutch Caribbean destination and suggests demand stabilized as the island headed into the summer travel period.
Dutch Market Continues To Lead
The Netherlands remained Bonaire’s dominant source market in May, accounting for 46.3 percent of all visitors.
The United States was the island’s second-largest market, generating 27.1 percent of arrivals. Curaçao ranked third at 11.3 percent, followed by Germany, Aruba, Belgium, Brazil, Colombia, Switzerland and Canada.
The data underscores Bonaire’s continued reliance on Dutch travelers, who generated nearly half of all stayover arrivals during the month.
American Travelers Remain A Major Segment
Among U.S. visitors, the largest concentrations came from Florida, Texas, California, New York and North Carolina, according to the tourism board.
American travelers continued to display a distinctly leisure-focused travel profile. Vacation travel was by far the leading reason for visiting Bonaire, followed by diving, with much smaller shares arriving to visit friends and relatives or for other purposes.
The demographics data also showed a mature traveler base. The largest segments of American visitors were between 55 and 64 years old and 65 and older, highlighting Bonaire’s continued appeal among experienced leisure travelers and divers.
Hotels Continue To Capture Most Visitors
Hotels remained the dominant accommodation choice for both Dutch and American visitors.
Among U.S. travelers, hotels accounted for the overwhelming majority of stays, far outpacing villas, apartments, private homes and stays with relatives.
The pattern was similar among Dutch visitors, although apartments represented a somewhat larger share of lodging choices.
Dutch Visitors Stay Longer
One of the more notable findings in the May report was the difference in length of stay between the island’s two largest visitor markets.
Dutch travelers stayed an average of approximately 11 nights, while American visitors averaged roughly 7 nights on the island.
That extended stay pattern has long been one of the strengths of Bonaire’s tourism sector, generating more visitor spending per trip and supporting longer occupancy periods for hotels and vacation accommodations.
A Positive Turn After April
The May numbers do not represent explosive growth. But after a weaker April, the return to positive territory is a welcome development for the destination.
With the Netherlands continuing to generate strong visitor volumes and the United States maintaining its position as Bonaire’s second-largest market, the latest figures point to a tourism sector that regained momentum heading into the traditionally important summer season.
Caribbean Journal Staff
2026-06-05 15:19:00