Archive for February, 2026

CTO, ACI-LAC Formalize Agreement on Tourism–Aviation Collaboration

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.

cto mou aviation

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.

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Caribbean Tourism Leaders to Address Multi-Sector Sustainability at Sustainable Tourism Conference in Belize

BELIZE CITY, Belize (February 18, 2026) — The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), in collaboration with the Belize Tourism Board, will host the Caribbean Conference on Sustainable Tourism Development (STC 2026) from April 27-30, 2026, at Caribeville, in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize. Now in its 17th edition, the Conference will convene regional and international tourism leaders under the theme: “Tourism in Full Color: Integrating Blue, Green, Orange and Beyond Economies into Sustainable Planning and Development.”

“STC 2026 reflects the Caribbean’s commitment to reimagining tourism as a powerful driver of inclusive growth, climate resilience and cultural vitality,” said Dona Regis-Prosper, CTO’s Secretary-General and CEO. “By embracing a Tourism in Full Color approach, we are encouraging destinations to move beyond fragmented planning and instead adopt integrated models that balance environmental stewardship, cultural identity, community well-being and economic opportunity.”

“Belize is deeply honored to host STC 2026 and to welcome regional and international leaders to our shores,” said Anthony Mahler, Minister of Tourism, Youth, Sports and Diaspora Relations. “This conference underscores Belize’s commitment to sustainable tourism and reinforces our role as a catalyst for innovation and responsible growth in the Caribbean. STC 2026 will serve as a dynamic platform for bold ideas and strategic partnerships. I invite industry partners and policymakers to join us as we help shape a sustainable future for Caribbean tourism.”

Anchored in the concept of Tourism in Full Color, the conference will explore integrated tourism development models that move beyond traditional silos to harness the full range of Caribbean assets:

  • The Blue Economy focusing on responsible use of marine and coastal resources;
  • The Green Economy advancing climate-resilient, low-carbon and nature-positive tourism solutions;
  • The Orange Economy unlocking the economic value of culture, heritage and creative industries; and
  • Beyond economies, including the Purple Economy, which emphasizes values, social cohesion, identity, well-being and inclusive growth.

The four-day program will feature a ministerial roundtable, expert plenaries, concurrent technical sessions, master classes and field-based learning experiences in sustainable tourism practices. Topics will range from blue and green financing, climate risk management and regenerative tourism, to cultural tourism, creative industries, and governance of emerging tourism models. Together, these sessions are designed to support the development and implementation of forward-looking policies, programs and partnerships that enhance competitiveness and long-term sustainability across CTO member destinations.

STC 2026 sponsorship offers organizations a unique opportunity to demonstrate leadership in shaping the future of Caribbean tourism. Sponsors will receive targeted exposure to an influential audience of more than 300 local, regional and international tourism leaders, policymakers, development agencies, media and allied sector stakeholders. Benefits include brand visibility throughout the conference, networking opportunities and a featured speaking engagement to showcase insights, innovations and best practices.

The active engagement of the public and private sectors, nongovernmental organizations, Indigenous and community-based enterprises, and development partners is essential to advancing tourism that delivers shared value for people, place and prosperity.

For more information about STC 2026, including registration, go to https://www.onecaribbean.org/events-calendar/stc-2026/.

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CTO Names Guyana Host of 2026 State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC)

BARBADOS (February 9, 2026) – The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) has selected Guyana to host its flagship State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC) in October 2026 — marking the first time the country will stage the conference since its inception.

Scheduled for Georgetown, October 5–9, 2026, the prestigious regional gathering brings together hundreds of Caribbean tourism leaders, international delegates, policymakers, youth representatives, journalists and industry stakeholders. SOTIC serves as CTO’s principal forum for examining critical issues, sharing innovation and shaping the future direction of Caribbean tourism.

sotic 2026 guyana

Susan Rodrigues, Guyana’s Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, described the selection as a milestone reflecting growing regional confidence in Guyana’s tourism leadership and its expanding role in regional dialogue.

“This conference is CTO’s premier gathering for Caribbean tourism leaders and attracts hundreds of regional and international delegates, positioning Guyana as a major player in the development of MICE tourism — a specialized, high-value segment of business travel focused on Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions,” Rodrigues said.

Hosting SOTIC underscores Guyana’s rapid emergence as a dynamic tourism destination, supported by investments in infrastructure, sustainability and cultural offerings. The decision follows the most recent edition of the conference in Barbados, held under the theme “Reimagining Caribbean Tourism: Research, Relevance and the Road Ahead.”

CTO Secretary-General and CEO Dona Regis-Prosper has emphasized the organization’s focus on community-centered tourism experiences under its 2026 theme, One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences, citing Guyana as a destination that exemplifies these priorities. She noted the region’s resilience and shared commitment to building an inclusive, future-ready tourism sector — themes expected to feature prominently during the Guyana-hosted conference.

“This event positions Guyana to showcase its unique blend of ecotourism, adventure, cultural heritage and business facilities to a global audience, further elevating its profile within the Caribbean and beyond,” Regis-Prosper added.

Details on registration, programming and venue will be announced through official CTO and Guyana Tourism Authority channels as planning advances.

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Top Tourism and Aviation Leaders Headline CTO Air Connectivity Summit in Bermuda

HAMILTON, Bermuda (February 5, 2026) – The stage is set in Bermuda for what promises to be a landmark gathering for regional aviation and tourism later this month: the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s (CTO) Air Connectivity Summit. Top airline executives, airport leaders, tourism ministers, directors and policymakers will converge to tackle one of the region’s most persistent challenges: improving air access.

The one-day event, titled “Integrating Aviation and Regional Tourism Development,” is scheduled for Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at the Hamilton Princess & Beach Club. Hosted by CTO in partnership with the Government of Bermuda, the summit forms part of the organization’s Spring Business Meetings and aligns with CTO’s Reimagine Plan and the work of its Airlift Committee to support sustainable growth through improved connectivity.

“This summit brings together the people making decisions that directly shape how the region connects with itself and the world,” said CTO Secretary-General and CEO Dona Regis-Prosper. “By uniting ministers, airline leaders, airport authorities and tourism executives in one forum, we are creating a platform for alignment, collaboration and action.”

bermuda air summit

 

With modern infrastructure, year-round appeal and the recent launch of BermudAir, Bermuda offers a compelling example of how targeted air service can strengthen tourism resilience and economic development. Hosting the summit also provides an opportunity to showcase the island’s robust infrastructure and recent advancements while facilitating high-level dialogue on issues affecting the entire region, from intra-Caribbean routes to long-haul international air service.

The agenda features a strong lineup of speakers and panels addressing critical industry topics. Edmond Rose, Consulting Director of Aviation at ASM Global Route Development, will present the CTO Air Connectivity Study, offering data-driven insights into regional trends. Rose brings more than 25 years of experience in airline planning and slot coordination.

Opening remarks will be delivered by Owen Darrell, Minister of Tourism & Transport, Culture & Sport, Bermuda; Ian Gooding-Edghill, Chairman, CTO Ministerial Council & Minister of Tourism & International Transport, Barbados; Regis-Prosper; and Erin Wright, COO & Acting CEO, Bermuda Tourism Authority.

Panels include “Airside Chat I: Route Development – Connecting the Region to the World,” featuring José María Giraldo, Managing Director of Operations for México, Central America, the Caribbean and Canada, American Airlines; Daniel Shurz, Senior Vice President, Revenue, Network and Enterprise Planning, JetBlue Airways; Dave Hodges, Vice President, Americas, Virgin Atlantic; Matt Chaifetz, CEO, Contour Aviation; Jonathon Freye, Executive Director, Association of Value Airlines; and Adam Scott, Founder & CEO, BermudAir. The session will be moderated by Nicolás Gurwicz, Founder & Managing Director, Altura Aviation Consulting.

“Airside Chat II: Routes Across the Region” will spotlight Sean Edwards, Country Manager – Caribbean & Cancún, Virgin Atlantic; Trevor Sadler, CEO, interCaribbean Airways; Casey Davy, CEO, Breeze Travel Solutions; Claudio Buncamper, Chief Commercial Officer, Sunrise Airways; and Marie McKenzie, Senior Vice President, Government & Destination Affairs, Carnival Corporation & plc, who will address the link between homeporting and aviation. Donovan White, Director of Tourism, Jamaica Tourist Board, will moderate.

The “Ministerial Panel: Regional Skies – Ministerial Dialogue” will bring together Dr. Ernest Hilaire, Deputy Prime Minister & Minister of Tourism, Commerce, Investment, Creative Industries, Culture and Heritage, St. Lucia; Grisha Heyliger-Marten, Deputy Prime Minister & Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunications, Sint Maarten; Cardigan Connor, Minister of Health, Sports & Tourism, Anguilla; Charles ‘Max’ Fernandez, Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation and Investment, Antigua and Barbuda; Minister Gooding-Edghill; and Minister Darrell. The panel will be moderated by former U.S. Virgin Islands Commissioner of Tourism and former CEO of the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority Beverly Nicholson-Doty, now CEO, Figment Design.

Additional perspectives on infrastructure and the visitor experience will be explored in “Aviation and Tourism Leaders Panel: From Runway to Resort – Connecting Aviation & Regional Tourism Development.” Opening remarks will be delivered by Danny Cohanpour, CEO, Trove Tourism Development Advisors, followed by a discussion featuring Rafael Echevarne, Director General, Airports Council International – Latin America and the Caribbean; Lawrence Scott, Chairman, Bermuda Airport Authority; Kurt Menal, Managing Director, BVI Airports Authority; Tim Morrison, General Manager, Hamilton Princess & Beach Club and Chairman, Bermuda Hotel Association; and Raoul Cooper, Director of Digital Identity, SITA. Stacey Liburd, Chief Executive Officer, Grenada Tourism Authority, will moderate.

Summit reflections and wrap-up will be led by Rosa Harris, Director of Tourism, Cayman Islands and Chair, CTO’s Airlift Committee, with closing remarks by William “Billy” Griffith, Chairman, Bermuda Tourism Authority.

For further information, visit https://bit.ly/ctoairconnectivity.

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