The Bahamas has been selected to host the 2027 Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) Conference, marking a historic milestone as the first Caribbean destination to do so. This selection establishes the nation as a regional pioneer in sustainable tourism, environmental stewardship, and long-term economic resilience.
Conference Details
Scheduled from May 18 to 21, 2027, the conference will take place at the British Colonial Nassau and Margaritaville Beach Resort Nassau. During this event, The Bahamas will share practical initiatives in ecosystem restoration, nature-based tourism, and destination resilience that have earned it a reputation as an emerging leader in sustainable tourism.
Government and Tourism Officials Speak
“We are pleased to welcome GSTC 2027 to The Bahamas and to contribute to the global dialogue on sustainable tourism,” said the Honourable I. Chester Cooper, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation. “As a Small Island Developing State, The Bahamas brings a unique and important perspective, and we look forward to showcasing the practical work taking place across our islands.”
Latia Duncombe, Director General at The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation, added: “Sustainability in The Bahamas is being advanced through coordinated action across our islands, supported by Destination Stewardship Councils now active on seven islands, alongside continued investment in nature-based tourism and community-led experiences. Hosting GSTC 2027 positions The Bahamas to demonstrate how a multi-island destination can operationalize sustainability at scale while engaging global partners to strengthen long-term resilience.”
Sustainability Efforts
Across the archipelago, The Bahamas continues to advance sustainability through practical, on-the-ground implementation. These efforts include ecosystem restoration initiatives such as coral reef protection and mangrove preservation, expanded training and certification in nature-based tourism and flats fishing, and the continued growth of community-based and cultural tourism experiences that directly benefit local stakeholders. Supporting mechanisms, including the establishment of Destination Stewardship Councils in The Bahamas, further integrate community perspectives into tourism planning and development.
These efforts have gained increasing regional and international recognition, including acknowledgment from the Caribbean Tourism Organization for leadership in destination stewardship and resilience, as well as recognition at the PATWA International Travel Awards (ITB Berlin) 2026, where Deputy Prime Minister Cooper was named Tourism Minister of the Year – Sustainability.
With its selection making it the first Caribbean destination to host the event, The Bahamas looks forward to welcoming the global community in 2027 and leveraging the opportunity to showcase a destination where sustainability is not only a commitment, but an active and evolving practice.
