Travel, Culture, and Community Shine at The Bahamas Travel & Sustainability Awards 2025

What does it take to keep paradise thriving? For The Bahamas, the answer lies in celebrating the people and projects that make tourism not only successful but also sustainable. That’s the mission behind the Bahamas Travel & Sustainability Awards 2025, now in their third year.

Organized by Caribbean Journal in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation, the awards shine a spotlight on innovation, resilience, and community leadership across the islands. The goal is simple but powerful: to recognize those who are ensuring that as visitor numbers climb, the country’s cultural heritage, marine ecosystems, and local communities continue to flourish.

As tourism hits record-breaking numbers — more than 11.2 million visitors in 2024 — the awards serve as both a celebration and a reminder. Growth alone isn’t enough. The Bahamas is showing that world-class beaches and luxury resorts can (and must) go hand in hand with coral reef protection, renewable energy, and authentic cultural experiences.

A Community-Driven Celebration in The Bahamas

Nearly 50,000 votes poured in from travelers, industry professionals, and Bahamians themselves. Categories ranged from “Best Luxury Resort” to “Environmental Conservation,” capturing the full spectrum of tourism — from high-end hospitality to grassroots initiatives.

Deputy Prime Minister I. Chester Cooper summed it up best:

“Prioritizing sustainability is vital to preserving the destination we wish to share with the world. We are proud to honor those who lead by example, ensuring that The Bahamas remains as extraordinary tomorrow as it is today.”

The Big Winners

Among the 2025 standouts:

• Destination of the Year: Nassau Paradise Island

• Best Beach: Pink Sand Beach, Harbour Island

• Sustainable Hotel of the Year: Atlantis Paradise Island

• Sustainable Destination of the Year: Exuma

• Environmental Conservation Award: Coral Vita,

• Community Tourism Award: Nassau Straw Market

  
  

Food and hospitality had their moment too: Goldie’s Conch House won for Best Conch Salad, while Chef Jamal Small was recognized as Best Chef for his creative take on Bahamian flavors. Audrey Oswell, President of Atlantis, earned the title of Hotel Executive of the Year, underscoring how local leadership drives innovation at every level.

Beyond Awards: A Blueprint for the Future

From Coral Vita’s pioneering coral farms to community-led initiatives like the Nassau Straw Market, the winners illustrate how sustainability is being woven into the DNA of Bahamian tourism.

For Latia Duncombe, Director General of Tourism, that’s exactly the point:

“The innovation and passion of those recognized preserve our natural environment, uplift our communities, and enrich the experiences we share with millions of visitors each year.”

And as Caribbean Journal editor Alexander Britell put it:

“The Bahamas continues to set the bar for sustainable tourism in the Caribbean. These awards shine a spotlight on the people and places whose vision is shaping the future of Bahamian tourism.”

🌴In short, the 2025 Bahamas Travel & Sustainability Awards are more than a prize ceremony — they’re a declaration that paradise and purpose can grow side by side. 🌴