Bahamas Hikes Tourism-Related Taxes

On July 1, the airport departure tax in the Bahamas increased to $20 per traveler, up from $15. Likewise, the cruise departure tax will increase from $15 to $20 on Oct. 1. In addition, the hotel room tax jumped from 6 percent to 10 percent on July 1.

The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism cited the global economic crash and the need to “continue to provide a quality tourism product for visitors” as reasons behind the tax increases. The tax revenue will support capital improvements such as airports and roads, according to a Ministry of Tourism statement.