The Caribbean Tourism Organization and the International Airports Council for Latin America and the Caribbean have signed a new agreement to strengthen air connectivity across the region and strengthen coordination between the aviation and tourism sectors.
The Memorandum of Understanding was formalized following the first CTO Air Connectivity Summit held in Bermuda, and represents a new step in structural cooperation between the two regional entities.
Framework for closer aviation-tourism coordination
The agreement establishes a non-binding framework for strategic cooperation focused on improving air accessibility, building institutional and human capacity, and supporting sustainable, resilient and inclusive tourism development across CTO member countries.
The partnership is designed to bring airport and destination stakeholders closer together at a time when regional connectivity, route development and aviation economics remain key to Caribbean tourism performance.
“This partnership reflects our shared understanding that the future of Caribbean tourism depends on strong collaboration between aviation and destination stakeholders,” said Dona Regis-Prosper, Secretary General and CEO of CTO. “By working closely with ACI-LAC, we are enhancing air connectivity, strengthening regional aviation networks and creating new opportunities to ensure the Caribbean region remains competitive, accessible and resilient in a rapidly evolving global travel environment.”
Research, policy and industry advocacy
Under the terms of the MoU, CTO and ACI-LAC will work together as regional thought leaders to drive joint research, policy dialogue, and coordinated advocacy on shared priorities.
Key areas of focus include sustainability, resilience and regional competitiveness. This is an increasingly prominent theme as Caribbean destinations navigate climate vulnerabilities, infrastructure investment requirements and evolving aviation network strategies.
The agreement outlines potential collaboration across a wide range of initiatives. This may include co-hosting conferences, summits, workshops, and roundtables. executive education and professional development programs; skills training; Collaborative research examining air connectivity and the economic impact of aviation and tourism; Knowledge sharing and industry information exchange.
The two organizations may also pursue coordinated advocacy and pilot initiatives aligned with shared strategic priorities.
Strengthening regional connectivity
For ACI-LAC, which represents airports across Latin America and the Caribbean, the agreement highlights the key role of connectivity in regional development.
“Air connectivity is a cornerstone of Caribbean development, connecting our islands with each other and the world,” said ACI-LAC Secretary General Rafael Echevarne. “This memorandum of understanding with the CTO strengthens collaboration between airports and tourism stakeholders, enabling a more coordinated approach to planning, policy dialogue and capacity building to support sustainable growth and regional resilience.”
Regional air connectivity remains a key issue for Caribbean governments and tourism authorities, particularly due to changes in airline capacity, fleet changes and changing demand patterns. Improved coordination between airports and tourism boards is widely recognized as essential to route development success, infrastructure planning and long-term competitiveness.
3 year initial period
The MoU is valid for an initial period of three years. Although non-binding, it provides a formal platform for ongoing collaboration, coordination and development of targeted plans designed to enhance regional connectivity and destination competitiveness.
The signing at the first CTO Air Connectivity Summit signals the organization’s increasing emphasis on aviation strategy as a fundamental element of tourism growth. With both tourism authorities and airport operators increasingly focusing on sustainability, resilience and economic impact, the new framework will enable CTOs and ACI-LAC to deepen regional coordination at a structural level.
As Caribbean destinations continue to prioritize airlift expansion and route optimization, this partnership is expected to support a more integrated approach to planning and advocacy across the region’s aviation and tourism ecosystem.
