Bahamas hosts finale of UN Tourism Sustainable Islands Innovation Forum & Bahamas Startup Challenge

NASSAU, The Bahamas -- The Bahamas through the Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation (MOTIA) hosted the finale of the first Caribbean Small Island Developing State UN Tourism innovation initiative, bringing together entrepreneurs, investors, and global tourism leaders to advance sustainable island tourism.

The grand finale of the UN Tourism Sustainable Islands Innovation Forum and Bahamas Startup Challenge was recently held at Margaritaville Beach Resort, under the theme: 'Reimagining the Future of Tourism.'

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation the Hon. Cooper, who addressed the forum on Wednesday, April 29, 2026 remarked: "It is a distinct pleasure to open the UN Tourism Sustainable Islands Innovation Forum and the Grand Finale of The Bahamas Startup Challenge-a timely and progressive gathering that brings global expertise, regional collaboration, and Bahamian innovation into one shared space."

Launched in August 2025, the forum represented strategic partnership between The Bahamas and UN Tourism, built on a shared understanding that the future of tourism-particularly for island destinations-must be innovative, sustainable, and resilient by design.

Discussions explored how public and private sector collaboration, regional cooperation, and access to capital can strengthen tourism ecosystems across the Caribbean. Also discussed was the role of local leadership and community-driven innovation in protecting natural assets while delivering tangible economic benefits.

The minister encouraged all participants to approach this forum not just as a space for dialogue, "but as a platform for action; to forge partnerships, mobilize investment, and accelerate solutions that position tourism as a force for resilience and inclusive development."

The minister noted that for The Bahamas, tourism is the backbone of its economy. But it is also deeply connected to the environment, communities, and its national identity.

"As a Small Island Developing State, we are on the frontlines of climate change, global economic shifts, and technological disruption. These realities demand that we do more than recover. They demand that we reimagine how tourism works for our people and our islands," he said.

Added the minister, "This is precisely why The Bahamas Sustainable Islands Challenge was conceived. It called on entrepreneurs, start-ups, and innovators to develop solutions that respond to our unique needs. Solutions in coastal and maritime conservation, community-based tourism, and green technology, while remaining scalable, investable, and impactful."

This forum also signaled to the international community that The Bahamas is open to innovation, open to partnership, and open to investment.

"Our Government is committed to building the enabling systems, policy, finance, and institutional support that allow good ideas to become commercially viable solutions and long-term engines of growth," the minister said.

The finalists represented the creativity, ingenuity, and problem-solving capacity that exist within The Bahamas and its broader innovation ecosystem.

The Bahamas was represented by 53 participants out of 87, whose dynamic, adaptable, and innovative talent continues to set a high standard of excellence and creativity, described the minister.

"Their ideas demonstrated that sustainable tourism solutions do not have to be imported, they can be designed here, tested here, and scaled from here," the minister said.

The winners who stood out were:
• Ocean & Marine Conservation: Bluequest Bahamas
• Local & Community-Based Tourism: Access Island Guide
• Green Tech & Sustainability: Out Island Water Company Recycling Program, and
• Overall Winner - Out Island Water Company Recycling Program - Trevor Williams

The winning startup and runner-up will receive acceleration support to help scale their solutions, while all finalists gain access to the UN Tourism Global Innovation Network, mentorship, and international visibility.

(Photos/MOTIA)