Keyron Smith, President, and CEO of One Eleuthera Foundation (OEF) and Centre for Training and Innovation (CTI), in Rock Sound Eleuthera has been awarded the Sustainable Tourism Leadership Award in the 2024 Bahamas Travel and Sustainability Awards. This award, pioneered by the Caribbean Journal in collaboration with The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, honors leaders who demonstrate outstanding commitment to sustainability in the tourism sector, highlighting individuals that employ innovative approaches to sustainable development, responsible resource management, and the creation of positive impacts on both the environment and local communities.
Honoring Sustainability and Excellence in Bahamian Tourism
Organized by Caribbean Journal, the world’s largest website for Caribbean travel, tourism, and trade news, the Bahamas Travel and Sustainability Awards honor individuals, hotels, and organizations that champion sustainable practices and community impact throughout the Bahamas. These awards seek to recognize excellence in the Bahamian hospitality and tourism industry.
This year’s Awards garnered some 30,000 votes, with stakeholders and travelers from around the world choosing the Best of The Bahamas. Nominations were made in 34 categories, ranging from the top hotels on each island to sustainable leadership exemplars and the best chefs, bartenders, and people-to-people experiences.
CTI and OEF: Pioneering Sustainable Development and Agritourism in South Eleuthera
CTI and OEF are two of the country’s leading nonprofit organizations which focus on sustainable development, but also operate a unique agritourism and hospitality training model and campus in South Eleuthera. The multi-acre property in Rock Sound houses several social enterprises, including The Retreat, a charming 15-room hotel, Farmer’s Table restaurant, The CTI technical training school, and the CTI Farm, complete with a revolutionary, 1.1-acre smart-technology cooling house. Guests, students, community members, and visitors enjoy year-round access to eco-friendly experiences, including interactive farm tours, immersive hydroponics and sustainable agriculture workshops, bird-watching tours, , and unlimited relaxation in the hotel’s stately, saltwater pool.
“As our vibrant tourism industry continues to surge, we are proud to be honoring the remarkable people and places that are contributing to The Bahamas’ travel renaissance,” expressed Latia Duncombe, Director General of The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation.
Other outstanding nominees for the 2024 Sustainable Tourism Leadership Award included Neal Watson, the Director of Operations at Neal Watson’s Scuba Center in Bimini; Sam Teicher, Co-Founder & Chief Reef Officer at Coral Vita in Grand Bahama; Jeff Birch, Owner/Manager of Small Hope Bay Lodge in Andros; and Lakeshia Anderson-Rolle, Executive Director at Bahamas National Trust in Nassau. Smith’s recognition highlights his steadfast dedication to the core values and mission of OEF and CTI, and the ways in which the organizations’ strategic programs are fostering economic growth, diversification in the tourism sector, and acceleration toward food security and sustainable development goals for Eleuthera and The Bahamas.
Keyron Smith’s Vision: Leading Sustainable Tourism and Community Development in Eleuthera
“This award is a testament to the collective efforts of our team, founders, partners and community,” explains Keyron. “Sustainable tourism is a key driver for diversifying our tourism offerings, requiring an unwavering commitment to prioritizing people, preserving our natural environment, and safeguarding our cultural heritage. At OEF and CTI, we are dedicated to achieving this balance by fostering new, responsible economic opportunities that enhance rather than harm our community. By embracing sustainable tourism practices, we aim to ensure a thriving future for Eleutherans, visitors, and all of our island’s stakeholders.”
Keyron Smith’s recognition underscores his leadership and serves as an inspiration for others. His commitment to sustainable development sets a benchmark, emphasizing the importance of innovative, community-focused approaches to development. As The Bahamas continues to evolve as a premier travel destination, leaders like Smith and organizations such as OEF and CTI will be pivotal in shaping a future that prioritizes the environment, uplifts local communities, and promotes economic resilience. The Sustainable Tourism Leadership Award is a well-deserved accolade that celebrates the impactful work being done on Eleuthera and shines a spotlight on the possibilities that arise when dedication to sustainability is placed at the forefront of tourism and local development strategies.
For more information about the One Eleuthera Foundation and the Center for Training and Innovation, please visit www.oneeleuthera.org.
