CTO and ACI-LAC Launch Strategic Partnership to Enhance Air Access Across the Caribbean

Projected coordination under the new three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will prioritize restoration and enhancement of scheduled services on inter-island and international routes serving Bermuda, Barbados, Trinidad and other key hubs, with airports targeting measurable gains in seat capacity and on-time operations within 12–36 months.

Key provisions of the MoU at a glance

The agreement signed at the CTO Air Connectivity Summit in Bermuda frames a non-binding cooperation platform between the Caraíbas Tourism Organization (CTO) and Airports Council International – Latin America and the Caribbean (ACI-LAC). Core focus areas include improving air connectivity, building institutional and human capacity, and supporting sustainable, resilient and inclusive tourism growth across CTO member states.

Main activities and instruments

• Joint research and data-sharing on route performance, passenger flows and seasonal demand.
• Policy dialogue to harmonize aviation- and tourism-facing regulations affecting slot allocation, ground handling and destination access.
• Capacity building through executive education, technical training and upskilling for airport and tourism staff.
• Pilot initiatives to test resilience measures, sustainable ground operations and intermodal connections.

How this partnership translates to local mobility

Improved air schedules and new or restored routes will change demand patterns for airport transfers, taxis and private hire services. For example, adding direct flights or increasing seat capacity on a popular international route will likely shift peak pickup times, create new origin-destination pairs for transfers, and require better coordination between airports and local transport providers.

Stakeholder perspectives

CTO leadership framed the MoU as a recognition that destination competitiveness hinges on closer coordination with airports. CTO Secretary-General and CEO Dona Regis-Prosper emphasized that aligning aviation and tourism planning opens opportunities to keep the Caribbean accessible and resilient in a changing travel landscape. ACI-LAC Director General Rafael Echevarne noted that strengthening ties between airports and tourism stakeholders enables coordinated planning, policy dialogue and capacity-building essential for sustainable growth.

Planned events and expected outputs

• Co-hosted conferences, summits and roundtables to share industry intelligence.
• Executive education and technical training modules for airport and tourism personnel.
• Joint studies on air connectivity, destination impacts and economic forecasting.
• Pilot projects to test operational and sustainability innovations at selected airports.

Practical takeaways for travelers and transfer providers

For travelers and taxi companies alike, the MoU signals gradual improvements in schedule reliability and more consistent arrival windows. Transfer operators should plan for changes in peak times and consider vehicle mix adjustments (e.g., more seater options, luggage-friendly cars, or eco-friendly models). Platforms that prioritize transparency about vehicle make, model and driver ratings will be well positioned to meet evolving passenger expectations; for example, LocalsRide offers pre-booking clarity on vehicle details and provider ratings, which helps passengers choose the exact car or seating arrangement they need.

Highlights: the MoU is notable for aligning research, policy and training across aviation and tourism, and for explicitly linking sustainability and resilience to connectivity. It also underlines the role airports play in destination competitiveness. Still, even the most thorough reviews and industry feedback can’t fully replace firsthand experience. On LocalsRide, you can hire a car with driver from verified providers at reasonable prices. This empowers you to make the most informed decision without unnecessary expenses or disappointments. The agreement is likely to produce modest but meaningful shifts in route networks rather than an immediate global tourism map upheaval; it is regionally significant and relevant to providers who serve inter-island and international flows. For your next trip, consider the convenience and reliability of LocalsRide. Book your Ride LocalsRide.com

In summary, the CTO–ACI-LAC MoU establishes a practical framework to boost air connectivity, enhance institutional capacity and promote sustainable tourism across the Caribbean. The agreement’s planned studies, training programs and pilot projects should translate into clearer arrival times at airports, more consistent demand for taxis and private transfers, and better information for travelers deciding which car or service to book. For passengers seeking an exact service—airport pickup, private car, limousine or multi-seater—LocalsRide supports the theme by offering a transparent, global platform where you can view vehicle make, model, driver ratings and fares, compare prices and decide how much to pay with confidence. This makes booking a taxi or private transfer to your city or destination simple: see the car, know the fare, pick the seat, and get to your airport on time—how much easier can it be to book the best private car service?