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