Sustainable Tourism: Opportunities for Economic Development in Eleuthera

Abstract

The Bahamas, composed of approximately 30 inhabited islands, is known primarily as a mass tourism destination. While mass tourism has many perceived economic benefits, questions arise about the sustainability of such large scale ventures.  After examining the potential for sustainable, or eco-tourism in the ‘Out Islands’ of the Bahamas, The One Eleuthera Foundation proposed various ideas for the expansion and development of agritourism, heritage tourism, and the striking Lighthouse Point Beach.   There are a variety of costs and benefits to further development on the island of Eleuthera, and ultimately, eco-tourism appears to be a viable solution for enhanced economic sustainability.