The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) and the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation (BMoTIA), a GSTC Member, celebrate the formation of the new Destination Stewardship Councils (DSCs) on the islands of Inagua and Andros (North Andros District) in October 2025.
With the inclusion of the two latest Councils, The BMOTIA has successfully created eight destination stewardship councils to date, namely within the destinations of Abaco, Bimini, Cat Island, Eleuthera, Exuma, Inagua, North Andros and South Andros and Mangrove Cay, with consistent communication, collaboration, and community engagement in sustainability initiatives in partnership with tourism, being the key to their success.
These DSCs were established as part of The Bahamas’ Destination Stewardship initiative. This initiative was designed to strengthen local participation and coordination in sustainable tourism management, aiming to promote more inclusive tourism development at the community level.
Director General Latia Duncombe, Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation:
“The establishment of the Destination Stewardship Councils in Inagua and North Andros represents another meaningful stride in our commitment to sustainable, community-driven tourism development. At the Ministry, we believe that true destination success is achieved through balance — where the environment, economy, and our people thrive together. Through our partnership with the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, we are deepening a culture of shared stewardship, ensuring that tourism growth remains sustainable and beneficial for generations to come.”
The BMOTIA partnered with GSTC in June 2020, which provided structural support and training to establish Destination Stewardship Councils (DSCs), following GSTC Destination Criterion A1, Destination management responsibility. In 2023, the Bahamas Destination Stewardship Council Initiative received the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s Destination Stewardship Award, acknowledging its steadfast commitment to advancing sustainability and responsible destination management despite the global challenges presented by the pandemic.
“The establishment of these new Destination Stewardship Councils marks a significant step forward for The Bahamas in aligning sustainable tourism practices with community engagement and environmental care. At GSTC, we believe that getting good governance mechanisms in place, starting with Criterion A1 of the GSTC Destination Standard, is essential for good destination management, which we like to call destination stewardship. Kudos to the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism for embracing this approach!” says Randy Durband, GSTC CEO.
The initiative involved stakeholder engagement and capacity-building activities, supported by GSTC’s technical guidance to assist each Council in setting local priorities and establishing a practical governance framework, co-led by CB Ramkumar and Michelle Janke. This program introduced the GSTC Destination Standard and the GSTC Industry Standard, using practical exercises to apply them directly to the contexts of Inagua and North Andros.
Daisy Bowleg, Chair of the North Andros Stewardship Council (NASC) – “We are very excited about the formation of the Council! I am convinced that Sustainable Tourism can serve as the cornerstone for lasting financial success for the people of North Andros. This vision can be realized through the sustainable use of our abundant natural resources, heritage trails, and agriculture.
As stewards of one of The Bahamas’ most ecologically diverse islands, we are deeply committed to promoting opportunities that uplift our people while safeguarding the integrity of our environment. The Council firmly believes that true progress lies in maintaining a responsible balance between growth and conservation.
We proudly stand by our mission statement — to R.I.S.E. and build a Resilient, Inclusive, Sustainable, and Empowered North Andros through homegrown solutions, cultural pride, and united community action.”
Last month, the Inagua Sustainability Council successfully carried out its first action activity in honor of International Coastal Cleanup Day. Volunteers gathered at Iron Barge Beach, Market Place Beach, and the surrounding areas to remove litter and protect the island’s coastal environment.
The lnagua Sustainability Council
Vivian Moultrie, Chair of the Inagua Sustainability Council – “The Inaguas, comprising the islands of Great Inagua and Little Inagua, are among The Bahamas’ most undiscovered tourism gems. These islands hold great potential for a fresh and distinctive approach to tourism development in our nation. Their natural beauty, rich ecosystems both on land and underwater, and the warmth of their people provide endless opportunities for sustainable growth.
The newly established Inagua Sustainability Council, formed during the latest phase of the Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation’s Destination Stewardship Council program, offers the ideal platform to advance Inagua’s sustainable tourism initiatives. Council members are enthusiastic about the islands’ potential and look forward to working closely with the Ministry and the people of Great Inagua to build a welcoming, organized, and sustainable tourism future. Stay tuned.”
Future steps for the Inagua and North Andros Councils include continued training and the execution of their community-focused projects in alignment with the GSTC Destination Standard.
Watch The Bahamas’ Destination Stewardship Initiative video below:
