The tourist industry began in the mid-19th century, with government support for hotel building and a subsidised steamship service. Tourism once again blossomed in the 1920s when Prohibition brought well-to-do American tourists to the islands. After the repeal of Prohibition, The Islands of the Bahamas went into an economic slump that lasted until the 1940s and World War II, when it served as an air and sea way-station in the Atlantic. The construction of the base brought jobs to many people.
Then, in 1961, when Cuba (with its glitzy casinos and beach resorts) was closed to American tourists, The Islands of the Bahamas' good fortune began. Capitalising on their close proximity to the United States, the Bahamian government set out to increase the number of people visiting the islands every year. They dredged Nassau's harbour so that it could accommodate up to six cruise ships at a time and built a bridge connecting Nassau to Paradise Island.
In 1964, Great Britain granted The Islands of the Bahamas limited self-government, and in 1969 the colony of The Bahamas became part of the Commonwealth. It then legally became a nation on 10 July 1973, which is celebrated today as Bahamian Independence Day.
Tourism now accounts for at least half of the country's economy. The Islands of The Bahamas retain a symbolic link with The United Kingdom and remain a part of the Commonwealth of Nations.
