Economy & Business

big story time

A new kind of tourism

Shade of blue that seems almost unreal. On the horizon, an island approaches. A pier that was designed to accommodate 300-meter ships, a beach that is maintained daily, and coconut trees that grow in almost perfect rows. — Nothing here is by chance.

• This is Celebration Key, Carnival Cruise Line's new private island and a symbol of a quiet change in Caribbean tourism.

In recent years, the archipelago has seen the growth of a curious phenomenon: Entire islands created by companies such as Royal Caribbean, Disney Cruise Line, and MSC. These are not just stops — they are complete destinations, with exclusive beaches, themed restaurants, water sports, and shows. A piece of the Bahamas... but with total control of the experience.

A country driven by tourism

The Bahamas lives—and thrives—on tourism. It accounts for more than 50% of GDP and employs almost half the population. In 2024, the country broke a record: 11.22 million visitors. Of these, 9.4 million arrived on cruise ships.

• In Nassau alone, the country's main port, more than 4 million passengers disembarked last year.

The economic impact is significant: According to government data, cruise visitors generated US$655 million in 2023, creating 13,800 jobs and US$250 million in wages.

The Experience-Islands

Today, these islands are mega logistics operations:

• Capacity for 10,000 visitors per day;

• Water parks with 40-meter water slides;

• Restaurants connected to the ship's kitchen;

• Piers that can accommodate multiple cruise ships simultaneously.

For many passengers, the private island represents the entire experience. They disembark, spend the day on perfect beaches, swim with stingrays, and eat hamburgers overlooking the sea—all without leaving the area controlled by the company.

At the end of the day, they return to the ship without having seen Nassau, Freeport, or any local villages. No idea of the Bahamas itself. It's like visiting one country within another.

The business behind the scenes

For large corporations, these islands guarantee total control. All revenue—from tours to VIP cabins—goes to the operator.

• Spending is also higher: the average daily expenditure of a cruise tourist in the Bahamas is US$145, but on private islands, most of it is paid before embarkation, in packages.

Celebration Key was designed to receive 2 million visitors per year. Royal Caribbean's CocoCay came close to that in 2023.

If they were countries, they would be among the most visited destinations in the Caribbean.

While these private islands grow, Nassau and Freeport remain relevant — but now compete with meticulously choreographed experiences. For visitors, this means less time in local markets and independent restaurants.

• Important note: Economically, they are not absolute villains. They generate jobs, buy supplies in the Bahamas, and offer a constant flow of tourists, which is vital for a country so dependent on the sector.

• The problem is that much of this revenue never reaches the cities, circulating only within the corporate “playpen.”

Thus, a new frontier in tourism is emerging: Visiting a country without really getting to know it — like spending a vacation in a movie set.

Culture & Life

everyday less social media social

Gen Z: Dopamine Break with Digital

Generation Z was the last to know an offline world and landline phones. The new ones (Beta and Alpha) were born with a fiber optic cable instead of an umbilical cord. Now, the nostalgic GenZ is leading a rebellion against the always-online culture, starting by swapping smartphones for dumbphones. Among 18-24 year olds:

• Sales of dumbphones have grown by 148%.

• Smartphone use has fallen by 12%.

The trend doesn't stop with a “worse” cell phone; phone-free events are also on the rise—and people are paying to have their devices held at the door, in favor of face-to-face interactions and human 5G connections.

• The change is part of the so-called Dopamine Diet: a deliberate effort to reduce the digital stimulus that triggers addictive brain responses, similar to those caused by drugs and alcohol (which, incidentally, are also off the Gen Z diet).

And “analog influencers” are gaining support from science: a recent study showed that simply blocking mobile internet (while maintaining calls and SMS) can improve mental health, attention, and well-being—with 91% of participants reporting improvements in these areas.

ps: As a great trend setter, I took my trip to Montenegro in 2024 completely without internet. Now that the world is catching up with my trend, would you do it? What do you think?

What else is on:

• Fake band created by AI goes viral. Two weeks, two albums, and almost 1 million listeners on Spotify. The band The Velvet Sundown seemed to be taking off—until someone noticed a detail: no one had ever seen the members. And there was no way they could have. It was soon discovered that the band was an invention of artificial intelligence. How did this happen? (Read)

• The pope is pop. The New York Times newspaper claims that Leo XIV is distantly related to Justin Bieber and Madonna. Just like a virgin, touched by the very first time…. (Read)

• ‘Life of a Showgirl’. Taylor Swift announced a new album for October and in less than 24 hours, everything turned orange. Obviously we from Tanamesa are already counting the days. (Read)

WHAT ABOUT ME?

Micael

hyperventilating under candy skies