Derecho del Turismo en las Américas

Tourism Legislation in The Bahamas 413 and price reductions on fares due to package tours. The general and widespread use of automation also resulted in a considerable increase in leisure activities. The spread of education additionally awakened the desire to travel and, through the press, radio and television, travelling was actually becoming a prestige symbol with a psychological need to “keep up with the Joneses”. Further supporting travel were social legislation byMember States of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), which limited the number of working hours and ensured an annual paid holiday. Given the natural advantage, with its proximity to the high‑income population of North America, The Bahamas offered a perfect retreat for North Americans who needed to escape from the tensions caused by industrialization. As the world adjusted to peacetime, The Bahamas also became a suitable location for travellers who wanted to enjoy the end of the war. The country’s natural beauty, white sandy beaches, clear translucent waters, sporting activities, friendly inhabitants and slow pace made it ideal. However, according to The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, the largest single factor in attracting tourists to the country has been the promotion taken by the tourism arm of The Bahamas Government (BahamaHost, Undated). In fact, with the decision to move ahead with tourism, government actions and legislative development started immediately to ensure the development of the tourism industry. 1954 Hotel Encouragement Act As part of the decision to actively encourage tourism development in The Bahamas, in 1950 the new members of the House of Assembly revitalised the Development Board, and the Legislature voted for £ 156,000 for tourism promotion alone – most of this was used for overseas promotions in North America and England. “A brilliant promotional strategy that would differentiate The Bahamas from its competitors” (Cleare, 2007, p. 396) was developed and implemented, and the results were dramatic.The Development Board was the first in the Caribbean to introduce a home‑town newspaper public relations campaign and incentive travel for large corporations. The Board’s aggressive group and incentive strategy also helped the country to become a year‑round tourism destination since many of the meetings were scheduled during the traditionally slow periods of summer and fall. The Board also capitalized on the country’s spectacular marine attributes to attract filmmakers – the 1954 academy award‑winning film Twenty Thousand Leagues under the Sea was filmed in The Bahamas as part of the effort to expand tourism. The following year, in 1955, Flames of The Islands was shot around the Montagu Beach Hotel and on the