Bonaire is stepping up efforts to attract more Canadian visitors ahead of the return of nonstop WestJet service between Toronto and the Dutch Caribbean island for the 2026/2027 winter season.

Tourism Corporation Bonaire (TCB), together with Sorobon Luxury Beach Resort, conducted a sales mission in Toronto from August 11 to 14, meeting with travel industry representatives and airline partners.

Canada has become one of Bonaire’s five leading stayover markets, with arrivals increasing from 3,437 in 2023 to 5,248 in 2025 — an increase of about 53 per cent.

The market continued to perform strongly in 2026, with 3,541 Canadian stayover visitors recorded during the first six months of the year, making Canada Bonaire’s fourth-largest source market during that period.

TCB CEO Elesiër Angel said the growth demonstrates the importance of maintaining a strong presence in Canada and ensuring reliable air connectivity.

“Canadian travellers are a strong match for Bonaire, as they are drawn to nature, outdoor experiences, and authentic destinations,” Angel said.

“Our focus is not only on filling flights this winter, but also on building lasting demand and creating the conditions for this route to continue and grow.”

During the Toronto mission, the Bonaire delegation attended the Canadian Meetings and Events Expo and held discussions with WestJet and Sunwing on route performance and upcoming marketing campaigns.

The team also met with travel professionals to increase awareness of Bonaire and provide advisors with information and tools to promote the destination.

More than 45 travel professionals and online travel agency representatives took part in two events hosted by the delegation, including a Bonaire-inspired live cooking dinner led by Bonairean chef Giovannie Veld.

The events featured destination presentations, networking and food experiences, with prizes including round-trip Toronto-Bonaire airfare from WestJet and hotel stays at Sorobon Bay Hotel and Delfins Beach Resort.

TCB said the interest generated during the mission highlights the potential of the Canadian market and supports its efforts to strengthen the long-term viability of nonstop service between Toronto and Bonaire.