Caribbean Tourism Leaders Convene in the Bahamas for Strategic Action.

Routes Americas 2025, the premier air service development forum for the Caribbean region, is set to take center stage at Atlantis Paradise Island, The Bahamas, from February 10-12. This pivotal event will serve as a nexus for airline executives, airport authorities, and tourism industry leaders, fostering collaboration and strategic planning to enhance air connectivity throughout the Caribbean. The forum will focus on developing new flight routes, strengthening existing connections, and bolstering the region’s burgeoning tourism sector. This gathering of over 900 senior industry professionals underscores The Bahamas’ commitment to expanding global air links and promoting sustainable tourism practices.

The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), a key player in regional tourism development, will play a prominent role at Routes Americas 2025. The CTO will establish a dedicated booth, serving as a central hub for interviews, meetings, and critical discussions on air service development and tourism growth. The organization’s active participation signifies its commitment to fostering collaboration and driving positive change within the Caribbean tourism landscape. Key figures from the CTO, including Chairman Ian Gooding-Edghill, Barbados’ Minister of Tourism, and Andrea Franklin, CEO of Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc., will be in attendance, lending their expertise and insights to the event’s proceedings.

The impact of Routes Americas 2025 is expected to extend beyond the confines of the conference, benefiting local businesses across the spectrum of the tourism industry. Hotels, transportation providers, tour operators, and other related businesses are anticipated to experience positive ripple effects from the increased connectivity and tourism promotion generated by the forum. This boost to local economies underscores the significance of the event for the overall well-being of the Caribbean region.

A highlight of the CTO’s presence at the forum will be a luncheon on February 10th, where Chairman Gooding-Edghill will articulate the organization’s strategic vision for Caribbean air travel and tourism resilience. This presentation will offer valuable insights into the CTO’s roadmap for navigating the complexities of the travel industry and ensuring the long-term sustainability of Caribbean tourism. The luncheon provides a platform for stakeholders to engage with the CTO’s strategic direction and contributes to a shared understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the region.

CTO Secretary-General Dona Regis-Prosper will spearhead strategic meetings with airline representatives, advocating for improved intra-regional travel and the expansion of international routes. Facilitating stronger connections within the Caribbean and enhancing access from international markets are crucial for diversifying tourism markets and increasing visitor arrivals. Furthermore, Regis-Prosper will moderate a Ministerial Dialogue on the future of Caribbean tourism, featuring key government representatives from Saint Martin, the Cayman Islands, and The Bahamas. This dialogue will provide a platform for high-level discussions on policy, strategy, and collaborative efforts to shape the future of tourism in the region.

Regis-Prosper emphasizes the critical synergy between aviation and tourism, highlighting their combined potential to enhance connectivity and drive economic growth throughout the Caribbean. Routes Americas 2025 is recognized as a pivotal opportunity to forge new partnerships, strengthen existing collaborations, and secure improved air access to the region. The event’s focus on fostering connectivity and driving tourism growth aligns perfectly with the CTO’s mission to promote sustainable development and prosperity within the Caribbean. Following the conclusion of Routes Americas 2025, the CTO Board of Directors and Ministerial Council will convene on February 13th to further deliberate on strategies for strengthening Caribbean tourism, ensuring the momentum generated at the forum translates into tangible actions and long-term positive outcomes for the region.