Montego Bay, Jamaica - On the first day of the 42nd Caribbean Travel Marketplace, held in Montego Bay, Jamaica, the Bahamas were awarded the prestigious Caribbean Destination Resilience Award. This recognition highlights the nation's unwavering commitment to sustainability and resilience in tourism, aligning with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).

The Caribbean Destination Resilience Award recognizes destinations that demonstrate a focus on resilience, particularly through innovative strategies and collaborative efforts involving both the public and private sectors. The Bahamas' exemplary initiatives in combating climate change and fostering sustainable development have set a benchmark in the region, making the country a deserving recipient of this honor.

The Bahamas competed in Category A, for destinations with more than 500,000 annual visitors. The evaluation criteria encompassed five main themes: partnership and collaboration commitments, sustainability and resilience-related activities, innovation and technology, external linkages and engagement, and the contribution of initiatives to tourism.

The Bahamas' winning presentation highlighted the resilience of the Abacos following Hurricane Dorian and underscored the strategic use of collaborative partnerships. These efforts not only facilitated the region's reconstruction but also emphasized the importance of preserving its natural and cultural heritage. Through this balance, the Abacos ensure that visitors have memorable experiences that honor the environment and benefit local communities.

The Honorable I. Chester Cooper, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments, and Aviation of the Bahamas, expressed: "The Caribbean Destination Resilience Award is a true achievement for the Abacos. We are grateful to the numerous public and private entities that have worked together to make sustainable tourism a priority, preserving and promoting the area as a promising tourism destination. From mangrove restoration to energy conservation and promoting community tourism activities that celebrate the islands, the Abacos are proof that collaboration is key to addressing the important issues of our time."

Latia Duncombe, Director General of the Ministry of Tourism, Investments, and Aviation of the Bahamas, added: "We are immensely proud of the Abacos for receiving the Caribbean Destination Resilience Award. This recognition is a testament to the unwavering spirit and dedication of the Abacos community and our partner organizations in promoting sustainable tourism and resilience. The Abacos have not only recovered but have become a beacon of inspiration for sustainable tourism in the Caribbean."

Organizations such as The Abacos Stewardship Council, Friends of the Environment, and the Bahamas National Trust have worked alongside NGOs and other community organizations to address a range of issues across the destination, including sustainable rebuilding, environmental restoration, and community empowerment. These collective efforts have not only contributed to the region's recovery but have also ensured that visitors have memorable experiences that honor the environment and support local communities.

The Bahamas' recognition with the Caribbean Destination Resilience Award is a testament to the nation's resilience and innovation in the face of adversity. This achievement serves as an inspiration for other destinations to follow suit in pursuing sustainable and resilient tourism practices, ensuring a vibrant future for the entire Caribbean region. The Bahamas have demonstrated that through unity and dedicated effort, a destination can not only recover but also thrive, setting new standards for sustainability and resilience in the tourism industry.