In a significant move to enhance regional integration, the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) and Airports Council International – Latin America and the Caribbean (ACI-LAC) have established a formal partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding. The agreement was finalized during the inaugural CTO Air Connectivity Summit held this Tuesday, marking a new chapter in cross-sector collaboration.
The non-binding framework establishes a comprehensive cooperation structure focused on improving air access infrastructure, developing institutional capabilities, and fostering sustainable tourism growth across CTO member nations. The partnership recognizes that synergistic alignment between aviation infrastructure and tourism development is critical for the Caribbean’s economic future.
CTO Secretary-General and CEO Dona Regis-Prosper emphasized that “this partnership reflects a shared understanding that the future of Caribbean tourism depends on stronger collaboration between aviation and destination stakeholders.” The agreement enables both organizations to function as regional thought leaders, advancing joint research initiatives, policy discussions, and advocacy efforts on priority areas including sustainability, resilience, and competitive positioning.
Collaborative activities outlined in the agreement encompass jointly hosted conferences, executive education programs, professional development workshops, and technical training initiatives. The partners will also conduct cooperative studies on air connectivity patterns, share industry intelligence, and develop pilot programs aligned with strategic priorities.
ACI-LAC Director General Rafael Echevarne noted that “air connectivity is a cornerstone of Caribbean development, linking our islands to each other and to the world. This Memorandum of Understanding with CTO strengthens collaboration between airports and tourism stakeholders, enabling more coordinated approaches to planning, policy dialogue and capacity building.”
The framework will remain active for an initial three-year period, serving as a platform for sustained coordination and targeted initiatives designed to enhance regional connectivity and destination competitiveness throughout the Caribbean basin.