BAHAMAS RELAXES CRUISING FEE TO ALLOW MULTIPLE ENTRIES

In a move seen as a positive sign for Bahamas-bound cruisers, the
Bahamas government has announced a change in its cruising permit fee
structure to allow for two entries within a 90-day period rather than
only one entry, BoatU.S. reports.

The fee scale announced in 2003, remains: $150 for boats up to 35
feet and $300 for boats over 35 feet. However, by allowing two entries
for the same fee, the rate is cut in half for those who choose to
frequent the islands more than once in a 90-day period.

Keith Gomez, boating and fishing specialist with the Bahamas
Tourism Centre, acknowledged that complaints from boaters and the U.S.
and Bahamas boating industries were having an impact. Further changes
could take place in June 2004 when the government's new budget year
commences.

BoatU.S. has been encouraging it's members to contact Bahamian
officials since the fee increase was announced without warning last
summer, and continues to urge boaters to voice their concerns by
e-mailing Gomez at or the Bahamian Comptroller of
Customs, John Rolle, at .

Please copy BoatU.S. Government Affairs at .

http://www.BoatUS.com/news/releases.asp