The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) formed its partnership with Airports Council International- Latin America and the Caribbean (ACI-LAC) to improve Caribbean tourism development, which stands as their primary objective. The organizations established a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which will enhance regional air connectivity because it serves as an essential element that drives Caribbean tourism development.
The MoU was signed at the close of the first CTO Air Connectivity Summit in Bermuda on February 24, 2026, marking a pivotal moment in aligning the interests of the aviation and tourism sectors. This agreement establishes a non-binding framework for cooperation, aiming to improve air access, enhance institutional and human capacity, and promote inclusive, sustainable tourism growth across CTO’s member states.
According to Dona Regis-Prosper, the Secretary-General and CEO of CTO, the partnership reflects the shared recognition that stronger collaboration between aviation and tourism stakeholders is essential to securing the future of Caribbean tourism. By working closely with ACI-LAC, the CTO aims to create new opportunities to enhance air connectivity and ensure the region remains competitive and accessible in an increasingly global travel market.
Fostering Collaboration to Drive Tourism Growth
The newly established partnership will involve a range of collaborative initiatives, including co-hosted conferences, workshops, executive education, and professional development programmes. These efforts will focus on areas such as sustainability, resilience, and regional competitiveness. The MoU outlines the potential for joint research, policy advocacy, and knowledge-sharing between the two organisations.
The goal is to coordinate efforts to improve regional connectivity, especially through more direct flights between Caribbean islands and better links to international markets. Improving air access is a critical aspect of expanding multi-destination travel, where visitors can explore multiple Caribbean islands in a single trip. This, in turn, is expected to increase visitor arrivals and lengthen stays, contributing significantly to the region’s tourism industry.
Aviation and Tourism: Essential Partners in Caribbean Development
Rafael Echevarne, Director General of ACI-LAC, highlighted the importance of air connectivity as a cornerstone of Caribbean development, noting that it serves as a vital link between islands and the global market. By improving air access, both organisations believe they can unlock new possibilities for tourism, increase regional cooperation, and ensure that the Caribbean remains resilient in the face of challenges such as natural disasters or shifting global travel trends.
The partnership also emphasises the importance of sustainability in both aviation and tourism. As environmental concerns continue to grow, both CTO and ACI-LAC are committed to advancing green travel initiatives. This could include encouraging airlines to adopt more energy-efficient technologies and promoting eco-friendly tourism practices across the region. Both organisations understand that the future of Caribbean tourism depends on balancing economic growth with responsible environmental stewardship.
The Way Forward: Building a More Competitive and Resilient Caribbean
The MoU sets the stage for continued collaboration over the next three years, during which time the CTO and ACI-LAC will focus on developing initiatives to enhance regional air connectivity. These efforts will not only make the Caribbean more accessible but will also ensure the region’s tourism offerings remain competitive in a dynamic global market.
In addition to improving air access, the MoU will lead to greater capacity-building within both the aviation and tourism sectors. This will help ensure that the region is well-prepared to meet future challenges, whether they stem from economic shifts, the growing demand for sustainable travel, or unexpected global events.
With regional cooperation as its foundation, this partnership aims to create a more resilient Caribbean tourism sector, where islands can work together to maximise their collective tourism potential.
A Strategic Move for Caribbean Tourism
The MoU between the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) and the Airports Council International – Latin America and the Caribbean (ACI-LAC) marks a significant milestone in strengthening air connectivity across the Caribbean. By fostering collaboration between the aviation and tourism sectors, this partnership aims to improve air access, promote sustainable tourism, and bolster regional competitiveness. As Caribbean destinations work together to enhance their tourism infrastructure, the region is poised for more resilient, sustainable, and inclusive growth.
The next three years will be pivotal for this partnership, as both organisations continue to develop targeted initiatives to enhance the Caribbean’s air connectivity and ensure that it remains an attractive destination for global travellers.
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