The Disney Cruise Line Partnership

Partnering for Impact

Bahamas Development Bank & Disney Cruise Line in South Eleuthera

Disney Cruise Line partnered with the Bahamas Development Bank (BDB) to co-create solutions to three key challenges in South Eleuthera:

1. Limited access to affordable public liability insurance for small business operators
2. The need for guest-ready, culturally authentic tourism experiences
3. The demand for locally grown agricultural products

This partnership exemplifies how strategic investment, local knowledge, and global standards can align to create opportunity in underserved communities.

Breaking the Insurance Barrier for Bahamian Tour Operators

NETO in south Eleuthera

For small Bahamian tour operators, the high cost of global public liability insurance has long been a barrier to entering major tourism supply chains. Without it, many have been locked out of high-value contracts with companies like Disney Cruise Line.

To solve this, BDB conducted an exhaustive global search for an affordable solution—and found it right at home.
The National Eco-Tour Operators Cooperative (NETO), based in Grand Bahama, provides its members with access to $2 million in global public liability insurance at significantly reduced rates.

Through BDB’s support, qualifying South Eleutheran entrepreneurs were able to join NETO and secure the insurance needed to sign contracts with Disney. This milestone gave them a seat at the table, allowing them to deliver rich, high-quality, and culturally grounded experiences to cruise guests.

NETO membership is open to all Bahamian small businesses engaged in nature-based or cultural tourism.

Building Heritage Businesses

Elevate Eleuthera

In December 2024, BDB launched Elevate Eleuthera, a six-month business accelerator designed to deepen the tourism value chain in South Eleuthera. The program equips locally owned businesses with:

• Expert training
• Hands-on coaching
• Regulatory and compliance support
• Branding and marketing assistance
• Direct financial support

This initiative reflects BDB’s commitment to long-term, personalized capacity-building. Each business receives tailored support, working toward clear and measurable outcomes.

Tourism Meets Agriculture

The Pineapple Strategy

In response to Disney’s interest in sourcing fresh, locally grown ingredients, BDB is developing a Pineapple Strategy aimed at revitalizing Eleuthera’s agricultural sector—starting with its iconic crop.

This initiative connects smallholder farmers with the technical expertise and supply chain infrastructure needed to meet demand from Disney’s culinary operations. More than a supply contract, it’s a model for:

• Agricultural revitalization on the Family Islands
• Sustainable agri-tourism linkages
• Community-based economic growth rooted in identity

The Pineapple Strategy exemplifies how tourism partnerships can help reignite local industries while honoring Eleuthera’s proud farming heritage.