Airports and Tourism – A Shared Caribbean Future and sound airport economic policies

Welcome to the first editorial of the ACI-LAC newsletter. In a region where economies depend so heavily on visitors, airports and tourism authorities must work hand in hand. Together, they can transform connectivity into opportunity, and opportunity into prosperity—for the Caribbean people, and for every traveler who steps off a plane into paradise.

Tourism is the lifeblood of the Caribbean, and airports are its beating heart. Without efficient, well-connected gateways, the region’s promise as a year-round destination cannot be realized. The recently signed Memorandum of Understanding between Airports Council International – Latin America and the Caribbean (ACI-LAC) and the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) is more than a symbolic gesture—it is a strategic alignment of two sectors whose futures are inseparable.

Airports are not just infrastructure; they are the first impression of a destination. By strengthening air connectivity and aligning aviation with tourism strategies, Caribbean airports can directly support the CTO’s vision of “One Sea, One Voice, One Caribbean.” The MoU emphasizes joint training, thought leadership, and coordinated advocacy—tools that will help airports and tourism authorities speak with one voice on sustainability, resilience, and competitiveness. This partnership underscores a simple truth: sustainable tourism cannot thrive without resilient aviation, and resilient aviation cannot prosper without vibrant tourism.

In parallel, we are proud to announce the delivery of a course on airport charges with the participation of airports and civil aviation authorities, including several from the Caribbean. This initiative is designed to strengthen technical knowledge and economic oversight, offering members and regulators practical insight into the economic drivers of the airport business. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of how airport charges are structured, calculated, and optimized, while exploring how traffic forecasting supports cost recovery, capacity planning, and long-term financial sustainability.

This course reflects our broader mission: building institutional and human capacity, ensuring that airports and authorities are equipped with the tools to design fair, competitive, and future-ready frameworks. It is another step toward reinforcing the resilience and prosperity of aviation and tourism across the Caribbean.

I look forward to engaging with all our members and stakeholders on a regular basis. Meanwhile, please do not hesitate to contact us if we can be of assistance.

Rafael Echevarne
Director General — ACI-LAC