CTO and ACI-LAC sign agreement to strengthen air connectivity in the Caribbean

The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) and Airports Council International – Latin America and the Caribbean (ACI-LAC) formalized a strategic cooperation agreement aimed at strengthening regional air connectivity and promoting greater collaboration between the tourism and aviation sectors in the Caribbean.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in Bermuda at the close of the first edition of the CTO Air Connectivity Summit, establishing a framework for collaboration aimed at improving air access, strengthening institutional capacities and supporting the development of sustainable, resilient and inclusive tourism in the organization's member countries.

“This alliance reflects the shared understanding that the future of tourism in the Caribbean depends on closer collaboration between the aviation sector and destinations,” said Dona Regis-Prosper, Secretary General and CEO of CTO. “By working together with ACI-LAC, we are creating new opportunities to strengthen air connectivity, improve the regional network, and ensure that the Caribbean remains a competitive, accessible, and resilient destination in an ever-evolving global landscape.”

The agreement will allow both organizations to collaborate as regional leaders through the development of joint research, the promotion of dialogue on public policies and advocacy actions on key issues such as sustainability, resilience and regional competitiveness.

Areas of cooperation include the joint organization of conferences, summits, workshops, and roundtables, as well as executive education programs, professional development, and technical training. Also planned are studies on air connectivity and its impact on tourism, the exchange of strategic information for the sector, and the development of pilot initiatives aligned with shared priorities.

For his part, Rafael Echevarne, Director General of ACI-LAC, highlighted the importance of air connectivity for the development of the Caribbean. “Air connectivity is a fundamental pillar for the region, as it connects our islands with each other and with the rest of the world. This agreement with CTO strengthens collaboration between airports and stakeholders in the tourism sector, allowing us to move forward with more coordinated approaches to planning, policy dialogue, and capacity building that will drive sustainable and resilient growth.”

The Memorandum of Understanding will have an initial validity of three years and will serve as a platform to develop joint initiatives aimed at improving regional connectivity and strengthening the competitiveness of Caribbean destinations.

Source: Caribbean Tourism Organization.