Tourism

:: Hotels Encouragement Act

Responsible Agency

Bahamas Investment Authority

Available concessions for new hotels

  • No customs duties on materials to build and outfit hotels
  • No customs duties on machinery, equipment, tools and trucks needed to build and complete hotels
  • No real property taxes
  • No real property taxes in excess of $20 per bedroom per year (as of 11th year of hotel opening), subject to extension
  • No direct taxation on hotel earnings, rentals, dividends or interest
  • Admission of key personnel and special workmen (up to max of 25% of total employees)
  • No Governmental restrictions, regulations, conditions or legislation made affecting hotel not similarly affecting similar hotels

Duration of concessions for new hotels

  • No customs duties on machinery, equipment, tools and trucks: for period set by the Minister responsible for Hotel Encouragement
  • Real property taxes: 10 years from date of opening of hotel
  • Direct taxation on hotel earnings: 20 years from date of opening of hotel

Available concessions for existing hotels

  • No real property taxes in excess of assessed amount or $20 per bedroom per year
  • No direct taxation on hotel earnings, rentals, dividends or interest
  • 10% customs duties on materials and equipment to substantially remodel hotel

These also apply to entertainment facilities, nightclubs, restaurants and shops in hotels.

Duration of concessions for existing hotels

  • No real property taxes in excess of $20 per bedroom per year: 10 years from date of agreement with Minister, subject to extension
  • Direct taxation on hotel earnings: 20 years from date of opening of hotel

These also apply to entertainment facilities, nightclubs, restaurants and shops in hotels.

Other requirements

  • Agreement with the Minister responsible for Hotel Encouragement
  • Customs bond

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