UN Tourism, in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation of The Bahamas, has showcased a new generation of innovators working to strengthen resilient and sustainable tourism across the Caribbean. The initiative, known as the Bahamas Sustainable Islands Challenge, aims to support start-ups, encourage cross-Caribbean collaboration, and attract stronger investment through enhanced public-private partnerships.
The programme was designed to recognize the region’s emerging entrepreneurial ecosystem while addressing the unique vulnerabilities faced by small island destinations, particularly those heavily dependent on tourism.
Tourism as Both Economic Engine and Vulnerability, Says UN Tourism
Speaking on the initiative, UN Tourism Executive Director Natalia Bayona emphasized the dual nature of tourism in The Bahamas, where the sector contributes significantly to national development but also exposes the economy to external shocks. She stated that tourism accounts for around 15% of The Bahamas’ GDP, making it both a major economic driver and a source of vulnerability. The initiative, she said, focuses on building a strong pipeline of entrepreneurs capable of addressing structural challenges in The Bahamas and the wider Caribbean, while fostering a connected regional start-up ecosystem driven by collaboration.
Winners Recognized Across Sustainability and Innovation Categories
The Bahamas Sustainable Islands Challenge recognized several innovators across different categories:
- Runner-up (Ocean and Marine Conservation): Island Bey Coastal Stewards
- Runner-up (Green Tech for Sustainable Tourism): Coco Bliss Bahamas
- Winner (Ocean and Marine Conservation): Bluequest Bahamas
- Winner (Local and Community-based Tourism): Access Island Guide
- Winner (Green Tech for Sustainable Tourism): Out Island Water Company Recycling Program
- Overall Winner: Out Island Water Company Recycling Program
The overall winner was selected for its strong contribution to environmental sustainability and innovation in tourism-related waste management and recycling solutions.
Leadership Emphasizes Innovation-Driven Tourism Transformation
I. Chester Cooper, who also serves as Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation, highlighted the importance of innovation in transforming small island tourism economies. He stated that the initiative demonstrates how destinations like The Bahamas can lead global tourism transformation by empowering local entrepreneurs to develop practical solutions in sustainability, community tourism, and green technology.
He further noted that such initiatives help convert vulnerabilities into long-term competitive advantages while strengthening investment opportunities and economic resilience.
Local Solutions for Global Tourism Challenges
Latia Duncombe, Director General at the Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation, emphasized that the initiative brings global attention to solutions developed by Bahamian entrepreneurs. She stated that the partnership with UN Tourism helps transform local ideas into market-ready opportunities, ensuring that sustainable tourism is driven not only by policy discussions but also by measurable on-the-ground impact.
Mentorship, Funding, and Regional Ecosystem Support
The six finalists received mentorship support from organizations including the Caribbean Climate Innovation Center (CCIC), the UN Development Programme (UNDP), Tech Beach Retreat, UnTours, and the Tourism Development Corporation of The Bahamas.
All finalists were awarded seed funding by the Tourism Development Corporation and will join the UN Tourism Global Innovation Network. They will also receive scholarships for the UN Tourism Online Academy, while the overall winner will benefit from additional acceleration opportunities to scale their innovation.
Building a Regional Model for Small Island Development
As the first initiative of its kind in the Caribbean, the Bahamas Sustainable Islands Challenge is expected to serve as a model for other Small Island Developing States (SIDS). UN Tourism and its partners plan to expand the programme, strengthening innovation ecosystems and encouraging regional cooperation.
The initiative also received support from key partners including the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and Katapult Ventures, reinforcing its role as a collaborative platform for sustainable tourism innovation. The Bahamas Sustainable Islands Challenge reflects a growing global shift toward innovation-led and sustainability-focused tourism development. By connecting entrepreneurs, governments, and international organizations, the initiative aims to build a more resilient and future-ready Caribbean tourism sector.
