Bonaire opened 2026 with tourism numbers that were essentially unchanged from a year ago — a flat performance that comes as the island adjusts to the loss of one of its US air routes.
According to preliminary data from Tourism Corporation Bonaire, the island recorded 18,606 stayover visitors in January 2026, compared to 18,598 in January 2025 — an increase of just 0.04 percent year over year.
That difference amounts to eight additional visitors. The result: January was flat.
Flat Growth Amid Airlift Changes
The January figures come just weeks after JetBlue ended its nonstop service between New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport and Bonaire’s Flamingo International Airport. The carrier exited the market effective Jan. 3, removing a year-round link to the New York metro area at the height of the winter season.
January is one of the Caribbean’s strongest months for US-origin travel, particularly from the Northeast. The removal of a nonstop from New York reduced seat capacity during a peak demand period.
Total arrivals did not decline year over year. But they did not grow in any meaningful way, either.
With overall visitor volume flat, attention turns to how the island’s source markets performed — and whether the US segment absorbed the impact of the route loss.
The Netherlands Remains the Core Market
Visitors from the Netherlands accounted for 9,004 arrivals in January, representing 48.4 percent of total stayover traffic.
The United States delivered 5,000 visitors, or 26.9 percent of arrivals.
Curaçao followed with 1,432 visitors, accounting for 7.7 percent. Canada generated 938 visitors, or 5 percent. Germany contributed 311 visitors, Aruba 239, Belgium 206, Colombia 135, the United Kingdom 134, Switzerland 113 and Brazil 118.
With nearly half of all arrivals coming from the Netherlands, Bonaire’s performance continues to be anchored by Dutch demand. That segment remained solid in January, helping prevent an outright decline in total arrivals.
US Travelers: Vacation and Dive-Driven
Among US visitors, vacation was the primary purpose of travel, accounting for 52.4 percent of arrivals. Diving represented 35.9 percent, reinforcing Bonaire’s long-standing position as a dedicated dive destination. Visiting friends and family accounted for 3.1 percent.
Most American visitors traveled with a partner, followed by solo travelers. Nearly half, 48.7 percent, stayed at hotels. Villas accounted for 16.2 percent, apartments 8.5 percent, personal property 6.4 percent and staying with relatives 5.8 percent.
The largest US source states were Florida, New York, California, Texas and North Carolina.
The age profile skewed older. Visitors aged 65 and up accounted for 29.6 percent of US arrivals, while those aged 55 to 64 represented 27.7 percent. More than half of American visitors were 55 or older.
With JetBlue no longer serving the New York route, US access now centers on American Airlines from Miami, Delta Air Lines from Atlanta and United Airlines from Newark and Houston. The absence of JetBlue removes a nonstop option from the New York area and reduces overall competition on that corridor.
Dutch Visitors: Broad Leisure Demand
Dutch travelers primarily visited for vacation, representing 72.1 percent of arrivals from the Netherlands. Visiting friends and family accounted for 9.6 percent, and business travel 5.3 percent.
Most Dutch visitors stayed at hotels, 46.4 percent. Apartments accounted for 16.9 percent, staying with relatives 10.4 percent, villas 7.1 percent and personal property 4.5 percent.
The largest source provinces included North Holland, South Holland, Gelderland, North Brabant and Utrecht.
Travelers aged 55 to 64 made up 26.7 percent of Dutch arrivals, while those aged 25 to 34 represented 16.9 percent.
A Market in Transition
The January data shows stability in total volume but no measurable growth. The island avoided a decline despite losing a US nonstop at the beginning of the month, suggesting that Dutch demand and other markets helped offset the change in airlift.
At the same time, the flat result underscores how closely Bonaire’s performance is tied to its core markets. Without new airlift additions or expanded demand from younger segments, growth remains limited.
January delivered 18,606 visitors — eight more than a year earlier
Caribbean Journal Staff
2026-02-20 20:27:00