The Caribbean Tourism Organization and Airports Council International – Latin America and the Caribbean have signed a new agreement aimed at strengthening air connectivity across the region and tightening coordination between the aviation and tourism sectors.

The Memorandum of Understanding was formalized at the close of the first CTO Air Connectivity Summit in Bermuda, marking a new phase of structured collaboration between the two regional bodies.

A Framework for Closer Aviation-Tourism Alignment

The agreement establishes a non-binding framework for strategic cooperation focused on improving air access, building institutional and human capacity and supporting sustainable, resilient and inclusive tourism development across CTO member states.

The partnership is designed to bring airports and destination stakeholders into closer alignment at a time when regional connectivity, route development and aviation economics remain central to Caribbean tourism performance.

“This partnership reflects a shared understanding that the future of Caribbean tourism depends on stronger collaboration between aviation and destination stakeholders,” said Dona Regis-Prosper, secretary-general and CEO of CTO. “By working closely with ACI-LAC, we are creating new opportunities to strengthen air connectivity, enhance our regional aviation network, and ensure the Caribbean remains competitive, accessible and resilient in a rapidly evolving global travel landscape.”

Research, Policy and Industry Advocacy

Under the terms of the MoU, CTO and ACI-LAC will work together as regional thought leaders, advancing joint research, policy dialogue and coordinated advocacy on shared priorities.

Key focus areas include sustainability, resilience and regional competitiveness — themes that have become increasingly prominent as Caribbean destinations navigate climate vulnerability, infrastructure investment needs and evolving airline network strategies.

The agreement outlines potential cooperation across a broad set of initiatives. These may include co-hosted conferences, summits, workshops and roundtables; executive education and professional development programs; technical training; joint studies examining air connectivity and the economic impact of aviation and tourism; and knowledge-sharing and industry intelligence exchange.

The two organizations may also pursue coordinated advocacy efforts 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 underscores the central role of connectivity in regional development.

“Air connectivity is a cornerstone of Caribbean development, linking our islands to each other and to the world,” said Rafael Echevarne, director general of ACI-LAC. “This Memorandum of Understanding with CTO strengthens collaboration between airports and tourism stakeholders, enabling more coordinated approaches to planning, policy dialogue and capacity building in support of sustainable growth and regional resilience.”

Regional air connectivity has remained a core issue for Caribbean governments and tourism authorities, particularly in the wake of shifting airline capacity, fleet changes and evolving demand patterns. Improved coordination between airports and tourism agencies is widely viewed as essential to route development success, infrastructure planning and long-term competitiveness.

Three-Year Initial Term

The MoU will remain in effect for an initial three-year period. While non-binding, it provides a formal platform for ongoing collaboration, coordination and the development of targeted initiatives designed to enhance regional connectivity and destination competitiveness.

The signing at the inaugural CTO Air Connectivity Summit signals the organization’s growing emphasis on aviation strategy as a foundational element of tourism growth. With both tourism authorities and airport operators increasingly focused on sustainability, resilience and economic impact, the new framework positions CTO and ACI-LAC to deepen regional coordination at a structural level.

As Caribbean destinations continue to prioritize airlift expansion and route optimization, the partnership is expected to support more integrated approaches to planning and advocacy across the region’s aviation and tourism ecosystems.