Bermuda is to host a “high-level” tourism summit attended by industry representatives to explore strengthening air access and fostering sustainable growth across the Caribbean.

The Ministry of Tourism, Transport, Culture and Sport, with the Bermuda Tourism Authority and the Caribbean Tourism Organisation, will host the CTO Air Connectivity Summit on February 24.

The CTO is the region’s tourism development agency and is made up of 25 Dutch, English and French country members, and private sector allied members.

At the forum, top airline executives, airport leaders, tourism ministers, directors and policymakers will address what organisers described as “one of the region’s most enduring challenges” — enhancing air connectivity.

Themed “Integrating Aviation and Regional Tourism Development”, the one-day event is scheduled to take place at the Hamilton Princess & Beach Club.

Participants and speakers include 16 tourism ministers from the Caribbean region, as well as representatives from non-CTO countries including Aruba, Canada, Chile, Ireland, Malta, Mexico, Panama, Britain and the US.

As part of the programme, Owen Darrell, the tourism, transport, culture and sport minister, will engage in a series of bilateral meetings with senior airline executives to discuss opportunities to enhance air service to Bermuda.

Mr Darrell said: “These conversations are particularly timely as we prepare for the reopening of the Fairmont Southampton in 2026, which will significantly enhance the island’s tourism product and accommodation inventory.”

The summit is part of the CTO’s Spring Business Meetings.

Dona Regis-Prosper, CTO secretary-general and chief executive, said: “By uniting ministers, airline leaders, airport authorities and tourism executives in one forum, we are creating a platform for alignment, collaboration and action.”

Mr Darrell added: “By welcoming regional and international partners to Bermuda, the Government underscores its leadership role in advancing connectivity solutions that drive economic growth, create employment opportunities, and position the island for sustained long-term success within the global tourism marketplace.

• The CTO summit is closed to the public but the opening ceremony and keynote address will be livestreamed on government platforms from 9am on Tuesday