Tourism Era in the Bahamas.

JUNKANOO FESTIVAL
Festival History
Groups
Costumes
Music

Tourism in the Bahamas.

The tourism industry began in the mid-19th century with government support for the construction of hotels and subsidized steamship service. Tourism once again blossomed in the 1920s when Prohibition brought well-to-do American tourists to the islands. The influx of visitors increased the demand for food, lodging and other items. Consequently, the banking industry boomed as The Islands Of The Bahamas built new hotels, warehouses, bars, distilleries and wharves.

After the repeal of Prohibition, The Islands Of The Bahamas went into an economic slump that lasted until the 1940s and World War II, when it served as an air and sea way-station in the Atlantic. Construction of the base brought jobs to many people.

Then in 1961, when Cuba (with its glitzy casinos and beach resorts) was closed to American tourists, The Islands Of The Bahamas’ good fortune began. Capitalizing on its close proximity to the United States, the government of The Islands Of The Bahamas set out to increase the number of people who visited it each year. It dredged Nassau’s harbor so it could accommodate up to six cruise ships at a time and it built a bridge connecting Nassau to Paradise Island.

In 1964, Great Britain granted The Islands Of The Bahamas limited self-government, and in 1969 the colony of The Bahamas became a Commonwealth. It then legally became a nation on July 10, 1973, which is celebrated today as Bahamian Independence Day.

• Bahamas Cruises

The History of the Bahamas.

There are many things to talk about when inquiring about Bahamas History. We have chose a few of the most popular topics. Click any of the below names to be directed to a detail of that section.

• Lucayan Era

• First Settlement

• Age of Piracy

• The Loyalists

• Civil War

• Tourism

We hope you find this information useful and hope you choose us for your one of your next cruises to the Bahamas.  Remember that we specialize in Bahamas Cruises.