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Jamaica, Kingston is preparing to take a leading role in addressing a critical issue that impacts not only its economy but the broader Caribbean tourism landscape—air connectivity. The island is set to host the highly anticipated CTO Air Connectivity Summit on February 23, 2027. This pivotal gathering will convene airline leaders, tourism ministers, airport operators, and industry stakeholders from across the Caribbean, all united to discuss and find solutions to the region’s air travel challenges.
The announcement was made by Jamaica’s Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett during a recent address at the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association’s Caribbean Travel Marketplace in Antigua. Bartlett emphasized the importance of timely action to address issues such as capacity deficits, high airport taxes, and the fragmented state of intra-Caribbean air travel—all of which hinder the potential growth of the region’s vibrant tourism sector.
Recent statistics illustrate the pressing nature of the connectivity crisis in the Caribbean. Following a remarkable 23.7% increase in arrivals from South America in 2025, totaling approximately 2.4 million visits—but noteworthy gaps in air service persist, especially to European and South American markets. As highlighted in the CTO Airlift Study presented by ASM at the inaugural summit, many potential tourists are left without sufficient options as direct flights to important destinations such as Italy, Argentina, Chile, and Brazil remain scarce.
For the Caribbean islands, this is not merely a logistical hurdle, but a significant economic threat. Limited access to affordable and consistent air services restricts trade, hampers development, and creates barriers in the region at a time when collaboration could be its strongest competitive advantage. Caribbean leaders stress that improving airlift is crucial for fully realizing the tourism potential of their attractive destinations.
The first Caribbean Tourism Organization Air Connectivity Summit, which took place on February 24, 2026, in Hamilton, Bermuda, marked a significant milestone for the region. This gathering was the first of its kind, uniting airline executives, tourism directors, airport authorities, and governmental representatives with a shared mission: to address and solve the challenges regarding the Caribbean’s air access before they become irreparable.
This landmark event resulted in a pivotal memorandum of understanding between the CTO and Airports Council International – Latin America and the Caribbean, aimed at fostering greater synergy between air transportation and tourism sectors. Following the summit, a clear agenda emerged, focusing on building business cases that appeal to airlines, reducing reliance on excessive fees, refining airport infrastructure, enhancing interline agreements, and promoting a cooperative spirit over competition within the region.
Rosa Harris, the chair of the CTO Airlift Committee and the Director of Tourism for the Cayman Islands, unequivocally declared air connectivity as an economic necessity rather than a luxury. She articulated that the sustainability and growth of Caribbean tourism hinge on improving the region’s connectivity.
The upcoming Kingston summit is being framed as a transformative opportunity to turn strategic plans into actionable initiatives. Under the guidance of CTO Secretary-General and CEO Dona Regis-Prosper, who will visit Jamaica soon to coordinate with the island’s Director of Tourism, Donovan White, the summit aims to prioritize concrete results over mere dialogue.
Expectations for the agenda include developing robust airline route business cases, seeking increased diversification of source markets, optimizing airport operations, and broadening interline agreements to facilitate smoother passenger movement throughout the region. Minister Bartlett pointed out that scheduling the summit just a week after the Global Tourism Resilience Day on February 17 reflects Jamaica’s unwavering commitment to fostering a resilient tourism economy that can adapt to global shifts.
With urgency underscoring the connectivity conversation, Saint Lucia is preparing to host the inaugural CTO Latin American Market Summit on May 5–6, 2027, specifically targeting the burgeoning segment of South American travelers. These consecutive regional events in 2027 underscore a newfound determination from Kingston and the Caribbean to overcome obstacles like geographical limitations and political fragmentation, thereby opening doors to eager travelers worldwide. The time for complacency has passed—the future of the Caribbean tourism industry depends on the outcomes of these upcoming summits.
Source: The post Kingston, Jamaica, Set to Lead Caribbean's Fight for Better Air Connectivity at 2027 CTO Summit: Everything You Need to Know first appeared on www.travelandtourworld.com.
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