New digital arrival card, major tourism developments making news in The Bahamas

The Bahamas is rolling out a series of major tourism developments this season, including the pilot launch of a new digital arrival system for international visitors and continued investment from some of the world’s largest cruise brands.

The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism has initiated the pilot phase of its new Bahamas Digital Arrival Card (BDAC), marking the first step toward a fully digital arrival process for visitors to the destination.

Currently being tested on select flights, the system allows travellers to complete immigration and customs documentation online prior to arrival, reducing reliance on traditional paper forms and helping streamline the airport experience. The initiative is designed to support a more seamless and effortless arrival process once fully implemented.

Latia Duncombe, Director General of The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation, explained that: “This pilot reflects years of deliberate planning and collaboration across the government,” “Our goal is to ensure that this platform enhances the visitor journey from the very first touchpoint.”

The rollout comes as The Bahamas continues to see strong tourism momentum, welcoming nearly 12.5 million international visitors in 2025, the highest figure in the destination’s history.

In other news, the Bahamas continues to see ongoing cruise sector growth and infrastructure expansion across multiple islands.

Among the largest announcements is MSC Cruises’ planned $450 million cruise terminal development in Freeport, Grand Bahama, which will include new berths along with retail, dining and entertainment facilities designed to enhance the visitor experience.

Royal Caribbean’s Royal Beach Club Paradise Island, which opened in Nassau in late 2025, continues to expand the destination’s private beach club offerings with pools, beaches, dining venues and entertainment spaces.

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has also introduced a series of new features at Great Stirrup Cay, including the 1.4-acre Great Life Lagoon, one of the largest pools in the region, alongside the new adults-only Vibe Shore Club, a welcome centre, and Splash Harbour, a new children’s play area.

Carnival, meanwhile, is expanding Celebration Key in Grand Bahama after welcoming one million guests within its first five months of operation. Planned additions include two new berths capable of accommodating up to four Excel-class ships simultaneously.

Additional tourism developments include a new public-private partnership to develop a cruise port and cargo facility in Mayaguana, supporting broader tourism expansion into The Bahamas’ Out Islands.

And with summer approaching, The Bahamas is also preparing for a vibrant calendar of seasonal events, including the Annual Pineapple Festival in Eleuthera, Regattas in The Abacos this June, and the Goombay Summer Festivals held across multiple islands throughout the summer, offering visitors additional opportunities to experience the culture, cuisine and community traditions found across the destination.