The Bahamas launches Caribbean’s First National Sustainable Island Challenge

The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation, in collaboration with the UN Tourism and local innovation hub Innovate 242, officially launches the Bahamas Sustainable Island Challenge at the 70th UN Tourism Regional Commission for the Americas, held from July 31 to August 2, 2025, in Lima, Peru.

Developed under a cooperation agreement between the Ministry and UN Tourism, the Bahamas Sustainable Island Challenge invites startups and entrepreneurs to develop solutions aligned with national and global sustainability goals. Areas of focus include ocean and marine conservation, community-based tourism, and digital transformation. The initiative runs for several months, culminating in a pitch competition and awards ceremony as part of UN Tourism Tech Adventures: The Bahamas, to be hosted in the destination.

“The Bahamas Sustainable Island Challenge is more than a competition, it’s an invitation to our brightest minds to help build a more resilient, more innovative, and more inclusive tourism economy,” says DPM Cooper. ““Through this initiative, we are giving Bahamians the tools and the global platform to lead in the areas that matter most: protecting our environment, strengthening our communities, growing entrepreneurs, and preparing for the future. This also supports the international advocacy of our Prime Minister, Philip Davis, on the critical issue of climate change mitigation.

The Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Ginger Moxey, emphasizes the island’s role as a leader in innovation within the country.
“Grand Bahama is proud to serve as the innovation hub for this national initiative. We are uniquely positioned to demonstrate how technology, creativity, and local collaboration can fuel sustainable growth and economic recovery, not just here, but across all our islands.”

The Director General of Tourism, Latia Duncombe, highlights how the Challenge supports the Ministry’s broader strategy to drive entrepreneurship and economic empowerment. “This initiative allows us to tap into the talent and creativity of our people. By supporting ideas that merge sustainability and innovation, we’re helping to future-proof our tourism sector while creating real pathways for entrepreneurship, investment, and international recognition.”

Natalia Bayone, Executive Director of UN Tourism, adds, “With this challenge, UN Tourism and The Bahamas are joining forces to invest in the country’s greatest asset, its entrepreneurs. We are creating a platform to scale innovative, island-based solutions that are climate-adapted, marine-friendly, and community-driven. From smart eco-tourism models to digital tools for crisis-ready visitor management, we are seeking bold ideas that will shape the future of island destinations. Tourism accounts for over 50% of The Bahamas’ GDP, and with a record 11 million international visitors in 2024, the country is at a pivotal moment. Innovation is no longer optional-it’s a necessity. By connecting local talent with global visibility, this partnership is not only supporting sustainable growth but also unlocking a new generation of high-impact tourism startups for The Bahamas.”

The Challenge is hosted on UN Tourism’s global innovation platform, with selected participants gaining access to mentorship, technical support, and visibility among international investors and tourism leaders.

For more information on the Bahamas Sustainable Island Challenge, including how to apply, visit: Bahamas.com/UNchallenge