History of Tourism in the Bahamas

1859

the "Karnak", a paddle wheel steamer, made the first trip between New York and Nassau.

1740

Peter Henry Bruce, a military engineer from England was sent to The Bahamas to make some repairs to forts in Nassau.

1861

The Royal Victoria Hotel was opened due to the Civil War in The United States between the North and the South, in which Nassau experienced a boost to the tourism industry due to the blockade runners and affluent southerners who wished to exchange goods.

1869

British Army Surgeon, Major Bacot, writing in 1869 pointed out that the climate and the healthiness of the Islands made them ideal for tourists.

1898

a ten year contract was signed with H.M. Flager, founding father and Czar of Miami, who also brought the Royal Victoria Hotel.

1914

When thousands of Bahamians left these shore to fight in the war. Their travel throughout Europe created an interest in these islands from those they encountered.

1919

In 1919 the Volstead Act was passed making alcohol illegal in the United States. Nassau became a center for rum running and profited substantially from revenues derived from that trade.

1943

Frightened by the horrors of the Second World War, many Europeans flocked to The Bahamas. Land investments went up and 1943 two airports had been built in Nassau: the Oakes Field Airport and Windsor Field Airport.

1919

Chalk's started a seaplane service between Florida and The Bahamas. This was the first air-service.

1929

Pan American Airlines instituted a daily two and a half hour flight between Miami and Nassau.

1950

The Development Board Act created a legal framework for a body to manage Tourism affairs

1964

The Development board was replaced by The Ministry of Tourism owing to The Promotion of Tourism Act

Sir Stafford Sands

referred to as the "father of tourism" because of his pioneering efforts in guiding the early development of the industry

1969

The Hon. Clement T. Maynard became Minister of Tourism and held the Tourism portfolio for 10 years, and built a professional organization, leaving behind a record of unparalleled success.

1492

Christopher Columbus becomes the first Tourist to the Islands of The Bahamas