UN Tourism and The Bahamas Highlight Sustainable Tourism Innovation 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 driving sustainable tourism innovation in the Caribbean.
The Bahamas Sustainable Islands Challenge was created to recognize the region’s growing start-up ecosystem. It also aims to encourage greater collaboration, investment and public-private partnerships across Caribbean destinations.
Building a resilient tourism future
Tourism contributes significantly to The Bahamas’ economy. Therefore, the sector also faces challenges linked to climate change and environmental risks.
UN Tourism Executive Director Natalia Bayona said tourism accounts for 15% of GDP in The Bahamas. She added that the initiative helps identify solutions while supporting entrepreneurs who address critical challenges across the Caribbean.
The challenge focuses on practical solutions in areas such as ocean conservation, community-based tourism and green technology. As a result, innovators are helping destinations become more resilient and competitive.
Innovation challenge winners
The initiative recognized several projects:
- Ocean and Marine Conservation: Bluequest Bahamas won the category, while Island Bey Coastal Stewards received runner-up recognition.
- Local and Community-based Tourism: Access Island Guide was named the winner.
- Green Tech for Sustainable Tourism: Out Island Water Company Recycling Program won the category and became the overall winner. Coco Bliss Bahamas was the runner-up.
Hon. I Chester Cooper, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation, said the challenge shows how island destinations can lead tourism transformation through innovation.
He added that empowering local entrepreneurs helps strengthen resilience, attract investment and turn challenges into long-term opportunities.
Supporting Caribbean entrepreneurs
The six finalists received mentoring from organizations including the Caribbean Climate Innovation Center, UN Development Programme, Tech Beach Retreat, UnTours and the Tourism Development Corporation of The Bahamas.
Additionally, all finalists received seed funding and access to the UN Tourism Global Innovation Network. They will also receive scholarships for the UN Tourism Online Academy.
The winner will benefit from further acceleration programs.
Expanding collaboration
As the first initiative of its kind in the Caribbean, the challenge creates a foundation for future regional cooperation.
UN Tourism and its partners plan to expand the model further. In this way, they aim to strengthen innovation ecosystems across Small Island Developing States.
The initiative was also supported by partners including the Inter-American Development Bank and Katapult Ventures.
