Caribbean Leaders Forge New Aviation Alliance to Fuel Regional Growth
The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) and Airports Council International – Latin America and the Caribbean (ACI-LAC) have officially joined forces, signing a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to revolutionize regional air connectivity. Concluded at the first-ever CTO Air Connectivity Summit on February 24, 2026, the agreement marks a critical turning point for the region’s tourism-aviation nexus, emphasizing sustainable development and long-term economic resilience.
Under the three-year strategic framework, both organizations will collaborate to dismantle traditional industry silos that have historically hampered air access. CTO Secretary-General and CEO Dona Regis-Prosper emphasized that the future of the Caribbean depends on closer alignment between those who manage destinations and those who control the aviation networks. This partnership aims to ensure the region remains globally competitive while adapting to a rapidly shifting travel landscape.
A primary pillar of the MoU is the focus on human capital development and institutional capacity building. By co-hosting summits, workshops, and technical training programs, the alliance intends to equip regional leaders with the tools needed to manage inclusive growth. The agreement also prioritizes joint research and the exchange of industry intelligence, providing a data-driven foundation for future policy dialogue and advocacy efforts across the Caribbean.
The collaboration comes at a vital time as islands face mounting pressure to improve intra-regional routes and support sustainable route development. Rafael Echevarne, Director General of ACI-LAC, noted that air links are the "cornerstone of Caribbean development," connecting the islands to the global economy. The new framework will enable a more coordinated approach to infrastructure planning, ensuring that airport modernization keeps pace with visitor demand.
Strategically, the MoU serves as a platform for knowledge-sharing and coordinated advocacy on critical issues like climate resilience and regional competitiveness. Beyond high-level discussions, the alliance plans to develop pilot initiatives that align with shared priorities, such as reducing the carbon footprint of regional aviation. This forward-looking stance is designed to make the Caribbean a model for integrated tourism planning on a global stage.
As the summit concluded at the Hamilton Princess & Beach Club, officials expressed a renewed sense of regional confidence. The partnership between the CTO and ACI-LAC is expected to serve as a catalyst for innovation, bridging the gap between the runway and the resort. With this alliance, the Caribbean is signaling to the world that it is ready to chart a unified course for its most vital economic sector.
