UN Tourism and The Bahamas spotlight innovation shaping the future of resilient tourism in the Caribbean

The Bahamas Sustainable Islands Challenge was created to recognize the emerging start-up ecosystem as well as the need for greater cross-Caribbean collaboration, more investment and stronger public-private partnerships.

UN Tourism Executive Director Natalia Bayona said: “Tourism accounts for 15% of GDP in The Bahamas, making it an economic engine and a source of vulnerability. We are identifying solutions and building a pipeline of entrepreneurs able to address critical challenges in The Bahamas and the wider Caribbean, while helping to catalyze a fast-emerging regional start-up ecosystem driven by stronger cross-Caribbean collaboration

Awardees:

• Runner-up – Category 1: Ocean and Marine Conservation: Island Bey Coastal Stewards
• Runner-up – Category 3: Green Tech for Sustainable Tourism: Coco Bliss Bahamas
• Winner – Category 1: Ocean and Marine Conservation: Bluequest Bahamas
• Winner – Category 2: Local and Community-based Tourism: Access Island Guide
• Winner – Category 3: Green Tech for Sustainable Tourism: Out Island Water Company Recycling Program
• Overall Winner – UN Tourism Bahamas Sustainable Islands Innovation Challenge: Out Island Water Company Recycling Program

Hon. I Chester Cooper, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation, said: “The Bahamas Sustainable Island Challenge demonstrates how small island destinations can lead global tourism transformation through innovation. By empowering local entrepreneurs to develop solutions in sustainability, community-based tourism, and green technology, The Bahamas is intentionally building an innovation ecosystem that strengthens resilience, attracts investment, and converts our vulnerabilities into long-term competitive advantage

Latia Duncombe, Director General, Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation, adds: “This Challenge brings global attention to solutions being shaped by Bahamian hands, Bahamian insight and Bahamian experience. Through our partnership with UN Tourism, we are translating those solutions into market-ready opportunities, ensuring that sustainable tourism in The Bahamas is not only discussed at the policy level, but advanced through practical innovation and measurable impact.”