Above: Antigua (CJ Photo)

By the Caribbean Journal staff

How can intra-regional travel in the Eastern Caribbean be expanded?

That was the question at a recent summit in Antigua and Barbuda to discuss an OECS-commissioned study on the factors inhibiting the growth of intra-regional travel.

The talks led to a number of practical solutions, including improving product and promotion strategies to attract more visitation, establishing a “feasible approach” on the reduction of taxes, the reduction of taxes, fees and charges on intra-OECS air tickets and the establishment of a one-stop security check system, among others.

“The consultants for the study were advised to approach the project with the following guiding principles: the study must add critical value to work already undertaken on the air transportation sector in the region; and the study should offer viable, practical solutions to the challenges related to air transportation,” the government of St Lucia said in a release on the talks.

The meeting, which was funded by the 10th EDF, was held at Antigua’s Jolly Beach Resort and Spa.

Delegates from OECS member states and from Martinique were in attendance, along with airlines including LIAT, SVG Air, Grenadine Airways, Fly Montserrat, Air Antilles and Air Caraibes.