Source: Caribbean Tourism Organization

Dona Regis-Prosper (CTO) and Dr. Rafael Echevarne (ACI-L AC) sign a Memorandum of Understanding establishing a framework for collaboration to advance Caribbean air connectivity.

Memorandum of Understanding concluded at first CTO Air Connectivity Summit in Bermuda

HAMILTON, Bermuda (Feb. 24, 2026) – The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) and Airports Council International – Latin America and the Caribbean (ACI-LAC) have formalized a framework for strategic cooperation aimed at strengthening regional air connectivity and advancing 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 today in Bermuda.

The MoU 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, 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 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.

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.

Commenting on the agreement, Rafael Echevarne, director general of ACI-LAC, said, “Air connectivity is a cornerstone of Caribbean development, linking our islands to each other and to the world. 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 platform for ongoing collaboration, coordination and the development of targeted initiatives to enhance regional connectivity and destination competitiveness.

About the Caribbean Tourism Organization

The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), headquartered in Barbados, is the Caribbean’s tourism development agency, comprising membership of the region’s finest countries and territories including Dutch-, English- and French-speaking as well as a range of private sector allied members. The CTO’s vision is to position the Caribbean as the most desirable, year-round, warm-weather destination, and its purpose is “Leading Sustainable Tourism — One Sea, One Voice, One Caribbean.”

Among the benefits to its members, the organization provides specialized support and technical assistance in sustainable tourism development, marketing, communications, advocacy, human resource development, event planning & execution, and research & information technology.

The CTO’s headquarters is located at Baobab Tower, Warrens, St. Michael, Barbados BB 22026.

Tel: +1 246 427-5242; Email: [email protected]

For more information about the Caribbean Tourism Organization, visit www.OneCaribbean.org and follow the CTO on Facebook, X, Instagram and LinkedIn to be part of the conversation.bout Airports Council International – Latin America and the Caribbean (ACI-LAC)

About Airports Council International – Latin America and the Caribbean (ACI-LAC)

Airports Council International – Latin America and the Caribbean (ACI-LAC) is the regional office of Airports Council International (ACI), the only global association of airport operators. ACI-LAC represents more than 330 airports and 88 airport operators across 46 countries and territories, managing 95% of the region’s air traffic. As the leading voice of the airport industry in Latin America and the Caribbean, ACI-LAC advocates for sustainable development, operational excellence and stronger regional connectivity.

For more information, visit https://aci-lac.aero.

Airports Council International – Latin America and the Caribbean (ACI-LAC) is the regional office of Airports Council International (ACI), the only global association of airport operators. ACI-LAC represents more than 330 airports and 88 airport operators across 46 countries and territories, managing 95% of the region’s air traffic. As the leading voice of the airport industry in Latin America and the Caribbean, ACI-LAC advocates for sustainable development, operational excellence and stronger regional connectivity.

For more information, visit https://aci-lac.aero.

Marketplace Excellence, 1812 Front Street, Scotch Plains, NJ 07076 | www.marketplaceexcellence.com