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

UN Tourism, in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation of the Bahamas, has highlighted a new generation of innovators advancing resilient tourism in the Caribbean.

Strategic Collaboration
- UN Tourism partnered with the Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation of The Bahamas to launch the Bahamas Sustainable Islands Challenge.
- Focus: building resilience in tourism through innovation, entrepreneurship, and cross-Caribbean collaboration.

Challenge Outcomes
- Recognized start-ups advancing sustainability, community-based tourism, and green technology.
- Winners:
- Ocean & Marine Conservation: Bluequest Bahamas
- Local & Community Tourism: Access Island Guide
- Green Tech for Sustainable Tourism: Out Island Water Company Recycling Program (also named Overall Winner)
- Runners-up: Island Bey Coastal Stewards, Coco Bliss Bahamas.

Leadership Voices
- Natalia Bayona (UN Tourism Executive Director): Tourism is 15% of The Bahamas’ GDP—solutions must address vulnerabilities while catalyzing a regional start-up ecosystem.
- Hon. I. Chester Cooper (Deputy Prime Minister): Small island destinations can lead global tourism transformation by empowering local entrepreneurs.
- Latia Duncombe (Director General, Ministry of Tourism): The Challenge translates Bahamian solutions into market-ready opportunities with measurable impact.

Support & Impact
- Finalists received seed capital, mentorship from partners like Caribbean Climate Innovation Center (CCIC), UNDP, and Tech Beach Retreat.
- They join the UN Tourism Global Innovation Network and gain access to scholarships at the UN Tourism Online Academy.
- The initiative sets a foundation for future collaboration across Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
This program positions The Bahamas as a regional leader in sustainable tourism innovation, while strengthening the Caribbean’s collective resilience and competitiveness.