Caribbean tourism and aviation leaders partner to boost regional air connectivity

The Caribbean Tourism Organization and Airports Council International – Latin America and the Caribbean have signed a new agreement aimed at strengthening air connectivity and improving collaboration between the aviation and tourism sectors across the Caribbean.

The Memorandum of Understanding was signed at the close of the first CTO Air Connectivity Summit in Bermuda, establishing a framework for cooperation focused on improving air access, building institutional capacity and supporting sustainable tourism growth across CTO member states.

CTO Secretary-General and CEO Dona Regis-Prosper said the partnership reflects the growing recognition that aviation and tourism must work more closely together to keep the region competitive.

“This partnership reflects a shared understanding that the future of Caribbean tourism depends on stronger collaboration between aviation and destination stakeholders,” she said. “By working closely with ACI-LAC, we are creating new opportunities to strengthen air connectivity, enhance our regional aviation network and ensure the Caribbean remains competitive, accessible and resilient in a rapidly evolving global travel landscape.”

Under the agreement, the two organizations will collaborate on research, policy dialogue and advocacy related to aviation, tourism development, sustainability and regional competitiveness. Planned initiatives may include conferences, workshops, professional training programs, joint studies on air connectivity, and knowledge-sharing across the industry.

Rafael Echevarne, director general of ACI-LAC, said stronger air links are critical to the region’s economic future.

“Air connectivity is a cornerstone of Caribbean development, linking our islands to each other and to the world,” he said. “This agreement strengthens collaboration between airports and tourism stakeholders and supports more coordinated planning and policy dialogue.”

The agreement will remain in effect for an initial three-year period and is expected to support new initiatives aimed at improving travel access and strengthening the Caribbean’s position in the global tourism market.