Inagua and North Andros Set to Lead Bahamas’ Sustainable Tourism Efforts: New Destination Stewardship Councils Aim to Boost Local Communities

Published on December 26, 2025

By: Paramita Sarkar

As part of its ongoing commitment to sustainable tourism, The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation (BMoTIA) has officially established two new Destination Stewardship Councils (DSCs) in Inagua and North Andros. This initiative, launched in partnership with the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), aims to bolster the country’s eco-friendly tourism practices by strengthening local involvement in tourism management. The creation of these councils marks a significant milestone in The Bahamas’ efforts to promote more inclusive and responsible tourism development.

Who is Behind the Initiative?

The creation of the new Destination Stewardship Councils is part of the Bahamas’ Destination Stewardship initiative, which was launched to help integrate sustainability into every aspect of tourism. BMoTIA has partnered with GSTC to provide training, guidance, and technical support for the councils. This initiative ensures that both Inagua and North Andros play a central role in shaping their tourism future with a focus on environmental preservation, community engagement, and local economic growth.

These councils are the latest addition to the existing councils in Abaco, Bimini, Cat Island, Eleuthera, Exuma, and South Andros, all of which aim to support sustainable tourism practices across the Bahamas.

What Are the Councils’ Key Objectives?

The Inagua and North Andros councils will work with local communities to manage sustainable tourism initiatives, focusing on areas such as eco-tourism, community-based tourism, and conservation efforts. The councils will help prioritize local needs and development plans, ensuring tourism growth benefits both the environment and local people.

Why Is This Important for The Bahamas?

By strengthening local participation, the new councils will promote inclusive tourism development and ensure that environmental stewardship is a priority. The councils will serve as a platform for collaboration between local communities, government bodies, and international stakeholders to develop sustainable tourism policies and initiatives.

In addition to supporting the local economy, the councils are intended to create a more sustainable model of tourism that ensures environmental integrity and community well-being are at the core of all tourism activities. The GSTC has been a critical partner in this initiative, providing the structural support and best practices needed to ensure long-term success.

When Did the Councils Form, and What Are Their Immediate Goals?

The councils were officially formed in October 2025, with the councils in Inagua and North Andros marking the latest milestones in the Bahamas’ Destination Stewardship program. These councils are tasked with setting local priorities, including developing strategies for eco-tourism, cultural preservation, and resource management.

One of the councils’ first actions was organizing the International Coastal Cleanup Day event in Inagua, where local volunteers came together to clean the island’s beaches, showing immediate commitment to environmental preservation.

How Will This Impact Tourism in Inagua and North Andros?

Inagua and North Andros have some of the most ecologically diverse environments in the Bahamas, with unique wildlife and pristine landscapes that attract tourists seeking untouched natural beauty. The councils will work to ensure that tourism growth does not harm these ecosystems but instead supports sustainable development that benefits both visitors and residents.

These initiatives will not only boost the tourism industry in these islands but also empower local communities to play an active role in managing the tourism flow and protecting their cultural and natural heritage.

The Role of GSTC and Future Plans

As part of the collaboration, GSTC will continue to provide the councils with technical guidance and capacity-building activities. The GSTC Destination Standard, which focuses on ensuring that tourism benefits communities while minimizing environmental impacts, will be integrated into all council activities. The GSTC Industry Standard will also be used to guide local businesses toward more sustainable practices.

In the coming months, the Inagua and North Andros councils will focus on setting governance frameworks that align with the GSTC standards, ensuring that sustainability remains at the core of the tourism model.

The Broader Impact on the Bahamas’ Tourism Industry

The creation of these councils aligns with the Bahamas’ broader tourism strategy, which seeks to strike a balance between promoting tourism growth and maintaining environmental integrity. This commitment to sustainable tourism is also reflected in the Caribbean Tourism Organization‘s recognition of the Bahamas Destination Stewardship Council Initiative, which won the Destination Stewardship Award in 2023 for its efforts to promote responsible destination management.

As Inagua and North Andros join the growing network of councils, they will be key players in the Bahamas’ push for regenerative tourism, a model that moves beyond traditional sustainability efforts by actively restoring and preserving the environment, rather than just minimizing harm.

Conclusion: A Bright Future for Sustainable Tourism in the Bahamas

The launch of the Destination Stewardship Councils in Inagua and North Andros represents a significant leap forward in the Bahamas’ commitment to sustainable tourism. By focusing on community-led tourism and environmental stewardship, the Bahamas is ensuring that tourism will be a force for good, benefiting both local communities and the environment for generations to come. As the councils continue to grow, they will undoubtedly set an example for other destinations to follow, demonstrating that sustainable tourism can be both economically beneficial and environmentally responsible.

The Bahamas’ Destination Stewardship initiative is not just about managing tourism; it’s about creating a future where growth, preservation, and community go hand in hand.