Derecho del Turismo en las Américas

Tourism Legislation in The Bahamas 407 Geographical Advantage The country’s geographical proximity to the high‑income source market of the United States of America (US), has further added to this advantageous endowment. The Bahamas island archipelago, made up of some 700 islands and 2,500 cays, covers an area of 5,358 sq. miles (13,878 km 2 ) that extends for 760 miles from its north­ ‑western border to the south‑east coast of the US state of Florida, just north of the island of Hispaniola on its south‑eastern border. The Bahama island of Bimini is 52 miles (83.7 km) east of the city of Miami, Florida. 183 miles (295 km) from Miami is the capital city and main economic centre of Nassau, located on New Providence, where approximately 70% of the population of 351,461 (2010 census) reside. The second centre of economic activity takes place on Grand Bahama. All of the other remaining inhabited islands and cays are collectively called “The Family Islands”. Support by Government Center Legislation Notwithstanding its geological and geographical endowments, the enactment and implementation of its tourism legislative framework have been the leading factors in the development of tourism in The Bahamas. The Bahamas Government, from the onset, has given its full support to the development of the tourism sector and has participated both directly and indirectly in the various sectors affecting the industry. Through its policy and legislative framework, the Government of The Bahamas has actively budgeted for and effectively promoted the country, encouraged private investment, and enabled the development of an accommodation sector that adheres to high standards. In addition, while making efforts to diversify its economy, The Government of The Bahamas has, in its recognition that tourism largely depends on public utility infrastructure, long accepted its responsibility and ensured the provision of, for example, electricity, water and sewerage, drainage, roads, docks and airports. The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism has outlined that the tourism policy of The Bahamas Government is to increase employment, to advance the country’s economic and social development, through earnings from tourism, and to take