Weller Development Partners & Six Senses Executives Discuss Sustainable Development For Tourism At Forum For Impact

GRAND BAHAMA, BAHAMAS – The third annual Forum for Impact (FFI), held last week in Grand Bahama, focused on building sustainable tourism, innovation in sustainable financing, and the Caribbean’s blue economy.

Under the theme ‘Building for the Future in the Blue Economy’, the international group of investors hosted stakeholders and thought leaders in the climate and blue economy space to discuss key issues and opportunities that are emerging within the sectors. 

Six Senses Head of Development for the Americas, James Farrah, headlined the panel and discussed the importance of responsible and environmentally conscious development, as Six Senses continues to lead the way by combining that principle with luxury travel and wellness. 

“Six Senses is very proud about our planned project in Grand Bahama, and the Forum for Impact was a great opportunity to spend time with those who share our values on sustainable investing,” Farrah explained. “The interest in our discussion shows the local community really cares about projects on the island. I truly enjoyed my time this week and can’t wait to come back to Grand Bahama.”

Development Manager for Weller Development Partners, Madhvi Shukla, emphasized the positive impact more sustainable development would have on the region. 

“Sustainable tourism is bridging the gap between travelers looking for authentic experiences and investors who want to make long-term meaningful social impact,” Shukla said, addressing the opening of FFI. “Both communities are realizing the value in preserving destinations and cultures, ensuring enriching experiences for all, while recognizing the importance of securing future travel through responsible stewardship of our planet’s natural and cultural resources.”

Weller’s Six Senses Resort development for Grand Bahama is on schedule for a 2026 opening. 

The three-day FFI forum, held at various locations throughout Grand Bahama, included Pelican Bay Resort, Garden of the Groves, WASUM Medical School, and Coral Vita. Engaging and thought-provoking discussions at the forum left attendees and participants with a clear call to action: to seek and support sustainable development and financing for The Bahamas.

Speaking on the Davis Administration’s focus on supporting and developing The Bahamas’ blue economy, Minister of Economic Affairs Michael Halkitis explained the country’s need for its success. 

“The blue economy is important because so much of our economy is built on tourism,” Halkitis said, addressing attendees of the FFI forum. “Tourism’s success is dependent on our marine environment. Our coastline and white sand beaches are the prime real estate of our islands. Our mangroves and coral reefs serve as nurseries and habitats for the many marine species that feed us and provide the world’s best snorkeling and diving experiences.”

Forum for Impact Co-Founder Michael Mehaan applauded the national support for the forum, noting the need for discussions as such to take place, particularly on islands like Grand Bahama. 

“Historically, it’s been bringing investors to the region to highlight what The Bahamas is doing,” Mehaan said, in regard to the forum’s focus on sustainable financing and the blue economy. “In the future, we’re trying to bring The Bahamas to some of these other places, like Europe, London, Vienna, to kind of highlight all the great things that are happening here. The purpose is to really engage the unengaged in impact and promote economic development in the regions of which we operate.”

Farrah added, “This really drives it home for investors, that there’s a big difference between sustainable and unsustainable investment and how that promotes economic development in our economy and creates jobs for the region. So, this is the idea- we want to focus on sustainable jobs, sustainable business, and sustainability.”