The Bahamas has been selected to host the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) 2027 Conference, marking the first time the event will take place in the Caribbean.
The conference is scheduled for May 18–21, 2027, with events set across two Nassau properties: British Colonial Nassau and Margaritaville Beach Resort Nassau.
A First for the Caribbean
The selection positions The Bahamas as the first destination in the region to host the GSTC’s flagship global gathering, which brings together leaders in tourism policy, sustainability, and investment.
The event is expected to draw approximately 400 delegates, including policymakers, tourism operators, investors, and sustainability experts.
A Platform to Showcase National Initiatives
The Bahamas plans to use the conference to highlight its ongoing work in areas including ecosystem restoration, nature-based tourism, and destination resilience.
Across the archipelago, initiatives have focused on coral reef protection, mangrove preservation, and expanded training programs tied to nature-based tourism and flats fishing. The country has also continued to develop community-based and cultural tourism experiences, with an emphasis on direct local participation.
A key component of that strategy has been the rollout of Destination Stewardship Councils, which are now active on multiple islands and designed to incorporate local input into tourism planning and development.
Government Perspective
Officials say the conference will provide an opportunity to present how sustainability is being implemented across a multi-island destination.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation I. Chester Cooper said the country looks forward to contributing to the global dialogue on sustainable tourism, noting that The Bahamas brings a perspective shaped by its status as a Small Island Developing State.
Director General Latia Duncombe said hosting the conference creates a platform to demonstrate how sustainability initiatives are being carried out across multiple islands, while also engaging with international partners.
Growing Recognition
The Bahamas’ sustainability efforts have received increased attention in recent years, including recognition from the Caribbean Tourism Organization for destination stewardship and resilience.
Cooper was also named Tourism Minister of the Year – Sustainability at the PATWA International Travel Awards 2026.
About the GSTC
The Global Sustainable Tourism Council is an independent organization that establishes international standards for sustainable travel and tourism.
Its annual conference serves as a forum for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and policy discussion among global tourism stakeholders.
With the 2027 event, The Bahamas will bring that conversation to the Caribbean for the first time, positioning the destination at the center of ongoing discussions around sustainability and long-term tourism development.
Caribbean Journal Staff
2026-04-28 20:09:00