Bahamas received 5.9 million tourists in 2012

The Minister of Tourism of the Bahamas, Obie Wilchcombe, reported that in 2012 the Caribbean island received both by sea and air, a total of 5.9 million international visitors, representing according to statistics from 2011, when it received 5.5 million, an increase of 400 thousand tourists.

In this regard, Wilchcombe said that «we are on track to seven million in two years» while stressing that according to preliminary data indicate that in 2012 also increased visitor spending, particularly for cruise passengers.

He added that in that period the tourism sector grew by 7.3% and predicted that this year will continue to increase.

According to the press release-latina.cu, the World Travel and Tourism, said, Bahamas forecasts for a rise of 5.3 percent in 2013.

Still, Wilchcombe emphasized the need to improve and diversify services, as customers demand «better product, more entertainment, more culture and more affordable prices,» he said.

Regarding the latter, the Minister explained that fuel prices affect the cost of holidays in the islands of the Caribbean.