by Brian Major
Last updated: 3:20 PM ET, Wed February 25, 2026
The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) and Airports
Council International – Latin America and the Caribbean (ACI-LAC) have
formalized a framework for strategic cooperation designed to strengthen regional
air connectivity and promote closer alignment between the aviation and tourism
sectors across the Caribbean.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed at the
conclusion of the first CTO Air Connectivity Summit in Bermuda, and establishes
a non-binding framework for broad cooperation focused on improving air access,
building institutional and human capacity, and supporting sustainable,
resilient and inclusive tourism growth across CTO member states.
“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,” she added, “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.”
The MOU enables CTO and ACI-LAC to work collaboratively as
regional thought leaders by advancing joint research, policy dialogue and
advocacy on matters of shared importance, including sustainability, resilience
and regional competitiveness.
Areas of cooperation outlined under the MoU may include
co-hosted conferences, summits, workshops and roundtables; executive education,
professional development and technical training programs; joint studies on air
connectivity, aviation and tourism impacts; knowledge-sharing and industry
intelligence exchange; coordinated advocacy efforts; and the development of
pilot initiatives aligned with shared strategic priorities.
The agreement positions CTO and ACI-LAC to collaborate as
regional thought leaders by advancing joint research, policy dialogue and
advocacy on matters of shared importance, including sustainability, resilience
and regional competitiveness.
“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.”
The MoU will remain in effect for an initial three-year
period and will serve as a basis for ongoing collaboration, coordination and
the development of focused initiatives to enhance regional connectivity and
destination competitiveness, said CTO officials.
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