The Bahamas and UN Tourism Partnership Highlights Local Innovation Shaping the Future of Sustainable Tourism in the Caribbean
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
The Bahamas and UN Tourism Partnership Highlights Local Innovation Shaping the Future of Sustainable Tourism in the Caribbean
NASSAU, Bahamas (May 1st, 2026) – The Bahamas made history as the host of the Caribbean's first UN Tourism innovation challenge, bringing together entrepreneurs, investors and global tourism leaders to shape the future of sustainable island tourism and demonstrate that the region's island destinations can produce some of the world's boldest ideas.
The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation, in partnership with the United Nations World Tourism Organization, hosted the Grand Final of the UN Tourism Bahamas Sustainable Island Challenge in Nassau, Bahamas at Margaritaville Resort.
The Hon. I Chester Cooper, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation indicated, “The Bahamas Sustainable Island Challenge demonstrates how small island destinations can lead global tourism transformation through innovation.” The DPM continued, “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. This initiative positions The Bahamas not only as a tourism leader, but as a regional hub for sustainable tourism innovation in the Caribbean.”
Launched in August 2025, the Challenge, the first UN Tourism innovation initiative of its kind in the Caribbean, mobilized startups, entrepreneurs and innovators from across The Bahamas to develop smart, sustainable solutions to some of the most pressing challenges facing island tourism globally. Focused on three critical areas, ocean and marine conservation, community-based tourism experiences, and green technologies for climate resilience, the Challenge demonstrated that Bahamian innovators are not waiting for solutions to arrive from elsewhere. They are building them.
“What makes this Challenge especially meaningful is that it brings global attention to solutions being shaped by Bahamian hands, Bahamian insight and Bahamian experience," said Latia Duncombe, Director General, Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation. "Across our islands, there are brilliant entrepreneurs who understand both the beauty and the responsibility of sustaining our tourism product, and who are ready to build businesses that protect our environment while deepening cultural connections. Through our partnership with UN Tourism, we are translating those ideas 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.”
The Grand Final coincided with the UN Tourism Sustainable Islands Innovation Forum, bringing together high-level representatives from government, the private sector, development finance institutions and international tourism bodies. Ahead of the Grand Final, six finalists participated in intensive mentorship sessions designed to sharpen their business models and prepare them to scale. After presenting their solutions before a distinguished panel of public and private sector leaders drawn from across the Caribbean and beyond, the following finalists were recognised:
- Category 1: Ocean and Marine Conservation- Winner: Bluequest Bahamas |1st Runner Up- Island Bey Coastal Stewards
- Category 2: Local and Community-based Winner: Access Island Guide
- Category 3: Green Tech Sustainable: Winner: Out Island Water Company Recycling Program | 1st Runner Up – Coco Bliss Bahamas: Taste the Tropics, Sustain The Islands
- Overall Winner - Out Island Water Company Recycling Program, Trevor Williams
The winning startup and runner-up will participate in acceleration programmes and receive further support in developing and implementing their solutions in island contexts, with the potential to scale their impact across the Caribbean and beyond. All finalists gained access to the UN Tourism Global Innovation Network, along with scholarships, mentorship opportunities and increased visibility among international investors and partners, ensuring that the talent and ideas emerging from The Bahamas reach a global stage.
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About The Bahamas:
The Bahamas has over 700 islands and cays, as well as 16 unique island destinations. Located only 50 miles off the coast of Florida, it offers a quick and easy way for travellers to escape their everyday. The island nation also boasts world-class fishing, diving, boating and thousands of miles of the earth's most spectacular beaches for families, couples and adventurers to explore. See why It's Better in The Bahamas at www.bahamas.com or on Facebook, YouTube or Instagram.
Media Contacts:
Rissie Demeritte
Director, Global Communications
The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation
Joshua Robins
Manager, Domestic Communications
jrobins@bahamas.com