Derecho del Turismo en las Américas

Tourism Legislation in The Bahamas 415 The 1954 Hotels Encouragement Act led to an expansion of the country’s tourism product, not only on the capital island of New Providence but also in Grand Bahama and in other Bahamian islands, such as Eleuthera, Abaco, Andros and Exuma – part of what is referred to as The Family Islands. Before the passing of this Act, hotels only existed in Bimini, Grand Bahama and New Providence. Most of the older hotels in Nassau also made use of the incentives under the 1954 Hotels Encouragement Act. The most popular upgrade centred on modernisation of buildings and décor or on adding new facilities. Single‑unit air‑conditioning were also added to many rooms. The British Colonial, for example, spent US$ 1.5 million in renovations in 1957, while the Montagu Beach Hotel is documented to have added 30 new air‑conditioned poolside rooms. These rooms featured private balconies, large picture windows and walk­ ‑in‑closets. The 1861 Royal Victoria Hotel also upgraded to air‑conditioned rooms and invested in a new luxurious salt‑water garden swimming pool, a Starlight Terrace Bar and a Harlequin Room for special functions. In Nassau, at least seven (7) large new hotels were completed in the period 1954‑1959. Table 4 lists the new hotels built in Nassau some of which benefitted from the 1954 Hotels Encouragement Act. T able 4 List of Hotels and Guest Houses on Nassau Constructed In the 1950s # Year Name Location on Nassau Other information 1 1950s Pilot House Club East Bay Street Developed during the 1954‑1959 period for yachtsmen. 2 1954 Emerald Beach Hotel Cable Beach 300 rooms. Largest and 1st fully air‑conditioned. 3 1956 Coral Harbour Club Coral Harbour Located on 2,500 acres‑ 4 1956 Dolphin Hotel West Bay Street Also added 67 more rooms in 1957 & 5‑room penthouse. 5 1957 Coral Harbour Yacht Club Coral Harbour Offered chartered boats, water skiing and skin diving. 6 1957 Mayfair Hotel Western Esplanade 5‑Story, 56‑rooms developed by an English Businessman.