An exhaustive study commissioned by the Caribbean Tourism Organisation aimed at tackling crucial challenges affecting regional air connectivity will be at the centre of discussions held in Bermuda this month.

The CTO has stated the challenges have far-reaching implications for tourism growth, economic development and regional integration across the Caribbean.

The critical talks will be part of what the CTO has called a “landmark gathering” held from February 22-25 at the Hamilton Princess & Beach Club in Bermuda.

Representatives from airlines, airports and hotels will be together with political and business leaders seeking to prioritise regional air connectivity.

As part of the implementation of its “Reimagine Plan”, the CTO contracted Airport Strategy & Marketing Ltd (ASM) to complete the study by last October.

The CTO said that ASM was to deliver a series of key outputs, including:

• A comprehensive assessment of current intraregional air connectivity within the Caribbean

• Analysis of demand patterns and identification of route development opportunities

• Strategies to strengthen airline co-operation and partnerships to improve intraregional travel

• Recommendations to enhance connectivity between Caribbean destinations and key long-haul markets

• A top-line review of existing bilateral agreements and the policy environment impacting connectivity

• Design of an efficient hub-and-spoke model for the region

• Recommendations to enhance the CTO’s advocacy capacity in the area of airlift and connectivity.

Discussions in Bermuda this month will focus on improving air access, supporting sustainable route development and aligning aviation strategy with regional tourism growth. Participants will also explore new partnerships and identify practical solutions to shared airlift challenges facing the region.

The Barbados-headquartered CTO is the Caribbean’s tourism development agency, comprising membership of the region’s Dutch, English and French-speaking countries and territories, as well as a range of private sector allied members. It seeks to position the Caribbean as the most desirable, year-round, warm-weather destination.

The 2026 CTO Air Connectivity Summit is on February 24, themed “Integrating Aviation and Regional Tourism Development”, congregating senior public and private sector stakeholders to address the future of Caribbean air connectivity.

This comes after extensive consultations among the organisation’s Ministerial Council, board of directors and airlift committee.

The summit will coincide with the CTO’s Spring Business Meetings, scheduled for February 23, when tourism ministers, airline executives, airport leaders and other key stakeholders in the aviation and tourism industry will participate.