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CTO to Spearhead Caribbean Air Connectivity at Routes Americas 2025
Tuesday, February 11, 2025
The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) and its member destinations are set to take centre stage at Routes Americas 2025, the region’s premier air service development forum, held from February 10-12 at Atlantis Paradise Island, The Bahamas.
With over 900 senior executives from airlines, airports, and tourism sectors attending, the event provides a crucial platform for Caribbean nations to strengthen air connectivity, expand airline partnerships, and promote regional tourism growth.
According to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), enhanced air connectivity is critical for economic sustainability in tourism-dependent regions like the Caribbean.
CTO’s participation underscores its commitment to advancing aviation strategies that drive tourism expansion.
CTO’s Key Role at Routes Americas 2025
CTO will maintain a strong presence throughout the event, hosting a dedicated booth where member destinations can engage in interviews, meetings, and strategic discussions.
The conference is a milestone for The Bahamas, reinforcing the destination’s leadership in global aviation and sustainable tourism development.
During the forum, CTO will:
Host the Official Luncheon (February 10) – CTO Chair Ian Gooding-Edghill, Barbados’ Minister of Tourism and International Transport, will outline the organization’s vision for airlift expansion and tourism resilience.
Lead Ministerial Dialogue – CTO Secretary-General Dona Regis-Prosper will moderate a high-level discussion on “Shaping the Future of Caribbean Tourism”, featuring key ministers, including:
Ian Gooding-Edghill (Barbados)
Valérie Damaseau (Saint Martin Tourist Office)
Kenneth Bryan (Cayman Islands)
Chester Cooper (Deputy Prime Minister, The Bahamas)
Regis-Prosper emphasized that air connectivity is a critical driver of Caribbean economic growth:
“Strengthening air connectivity to and from the Caribbean requires a unified approach between aviation and tourism stakeholders.
Routes Americas 2025 offers an invaluable platform to foster deeper collaboration, unlock new opportunities, and build strategic partnerships that will enhance regional accessibility and bolster sustainable tourism growth.”
Strengthening Caribbean Airlift & Tourism Expansion
The Caribbean remains a top global travel destination, but intra-regional air service and international accessibility continue to be challenges.
According to the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), improving regional air connectivity is essential for economic resilience, tourism growth, and investment opportunities.
Key objectives at Routes Americas 2025 include:
Negotiating new airline partnerships to expand flight routes.
Advocating for improved intra-Caribbean connectivity to boost regional travel.
Strengthening public-private partnerships for aviation development.
Exploring sustainable air travel solutions to align with global climate goals.
With The Bahamas as the host nation, the conference also highlights the country’s role in shaping regional air service competitiveness and attracting international airlines.
The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation has actively worked to expand flight routes and boost international …