Study will assess routes, demand, and airline partnerships to strengthen Caribbean air connectivity
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados — Caribbean air connectivity is set for a major overhaul as the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) partners with global aviation consultancy Airport Strategy & Marketing Ltd. (ASM) to address one of the region’s most persistent challenges: improving the flow of passengers between islands and to key long-haul destinations. Tourism officials say the initiative could reshape how travelers experience the Caribbean.
Under the agreement, ASM will deliver a strategic study by October 31, 2025, evaluating current intra-regional routes, demand patterns, and opportunities for expansion. The project will also examine existing bilateral air service agreements, explore the creation of a hub-and-spoke model, and recommend strategies to strengthen airline cooperation throughout the region.
The CTO said ASM was chosen through a competitive Request for Proposals process reviewed and endorsed by its Airlift Committee, established in March 2024 to guide regional air service development policy. The work forms part of the CTO’s “Reimagine Plan,” aimed at making Caribbean tourism more competitive, resilient, and sustainable.
“This partnership with ASM marks a pivotal step in CTO’s mission to reimagine Caribbean tourism and deliver practical solutions that enhance our competitiveness and resilience,” said Dona Regis-Prosper, Secretary-General and CEO of the Caribbean Tourism Organization. “Enhanced intra- and extra-regional connectivity is key to unlocking the full potential of our region.”
David Stroud, ASM’s managing director for Air Transport Consulting and Data at Aviation Week Network, said the partnership is an opportunity to help chart a sustainable future for Caribbean air connectivity. “This will be a great opportunity to help design a future for sustainable tourism growth through enhanced air connectivity,” Stroud said. “Our collaboration represents a shared commitment to unlocking the region’s full potential, driving prosperity for communities across the entire Caribbean.”
Beyond the study, ASM will provide the CTO Secretariat and its member countries with one year of data support, analytics, and training. According to the CTO, this ongoing engagement will build institutional capacity and support evidence-based decision-making for aviation strategy.
Industry observers say the focus on Caribbean air connectivity comes at a crucial time. The collapse of LIAT’s original operations, high fuel prices, and restrictive air service agreements have left many travelers reliant on costly connections through extra-regional hubs such as Miami and Panama. The study is expected to offer solutions that could reduce travel times, lower ticket prices, and encourage more visitor arrivals.
Analysts believe the benefits would go beyond tourism. Improved connectivity could strengthen regional business ties, cultural exchange, and emergency response capabilities in a region where aviation is a vital lifeline.
The CTO said its partnership with ASM demonstrates a commitment to ensuring the Caribbean is better connected, more accessible, and ready for long-term success in the global tourism marketplace.
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