In a landmark session at the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s (CTO) State of the Tourism Industry Conference, held at the Hilton Barbados Resort, tourism leaders from across the Caribbean convened to address pressing challenges in regional connectivity. The ministerial panel, featuring representatives from Belize, Tobago, Antigua & Barbuda, Turks & Caicos Islands, Grenada, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, focused on strategies to reduce the high cost of regional travel, enhance airlift and ferry services, and promote sustainable tourism practices. The discussions underscored the urgent need for harmonized tax policies, stronger collaboration among regional carriers, and innovative solutions such as code-sharing and mileage systems to make travel more affordable. Antigua & Barbuda’s Minister of Tourism, Charles Fernandez, emphasized the importance of unified action, stating, ‘Whatever we do in the Caribbean should be more harmonized.’ Tobago’s Secretary of Tourism, Councillor Tashia Burris, echoed this sentiment, calling for greater support for regional carriers like interCaribbean, LIAT, and Caribbean Airlines. Turks & Caicos Minister of Tourism, Zhavargo Jolly, highlighted the collective power of Caribbean nations, asserting, ‘When you talk to one of us, you speak to all of us.’ The session concluded with a proposal to present Caribbean heads of government with a comprehensive document outlining actionable solutions to reduce travel costs, harmonize tax policies, and strengthen regional carrier collaboration. The CTO was also urged to take a leading role in coordinating these efforts, marking a significant step toward a more connected and sustainable Caribbean tourism industry.
Antigua & Barbuda Joins Call for Stronger Backing of Regional Airlines
