Caribbean Tourism Organization to Highlight Aviation's Future at Caribbean Week in New York

The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) is celebrating its 35th anniversary with a focus on the future of Caribbean aviation during Caribbean Week in New York, set for June 16-21, 2024, at the InterContinental Times Square in midtown Manhattan.

This year’s theme, "Connecting the Globe, Celebrating Diversity," sets the stage for a diverse lineup of activities emphasizing innovation and connectivity in the region's travel industry.

A highlight of the event, which attracts travel industry professionals, journalists, and members of the Caribbean Diaspora, will be the Caribbean Airlift Forum. Rosa Harris, Chairman of the CTO Board of Directors and Spokesperson for Caribbean Week, will moderate the forum, positioning it as a vital platform for discussing the challenges and opportunities in Caribbean air transportation.

The session will address a range of critical topics, including route development, aviation competitiveness, partnerships, infrastructure investment, regulatory frameworks, and market demand strategies. The goal is to foster dialogue among airlines, airports, tourism authorities, and aviation ministries to enhance connectivity and optimize access to Caribbean destinations.

“In the wake of the pandemic, Caribbean aviation has shown remarkable resilience and adaptability, rebounding strongly in key areas. However, as we celebrate these gains during our Caribbean Week in New York, it’s crucial that we don’t become complacent,” stated Harris. “We must continue to innovate and address the persistent challenges within intra-regional tourism, which, while recovering, remains a challenge for many of our destinations. Our focus at the Caribbean Airlift Forum is not only on celebrating our successes but also on critically analyzing our challenges to strengthen and diversify our connections to, from, and across the region, ensuring a more robust and connected Caribbean.”

The week will also feature a Business and Tourism Marketing Symposium, the Caribbean Media Awards, and sessions focused on artificial intelligence, crisis communications, and multicultural marketing.

Supported by headline sponsor, the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation, along with gold sponsors the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism and the United States Virgin Islands Department of Tourism, and partners like Diamonds International and the Caribbean Media Exchange, Caribbean Week in New York 2024 is poised to be a pivotal meeting for tourism professionals and stakeholders in the region and the Diaspora.