Caribbean connects in Colombia

CTO Secretary-General Dona Regis-Prosper (center) with Routes Americas panelists (l-r) Trevor Sadler, CEO, interCaribbean Airways; Dr. Kenneth Romer, Deputy Director General of Tourism & Director of Aviation, The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation; David Appleby, Director, ASM; Peter Cerdá, Regional Vice President, The Americas, International Air Transport Association (IATA); Hans van de Velde, CEO, Windward Islands Airways International N.V. (WINAIR); and Rafael Echevarne, Director General, Latin America & Caribbean, Airports Council International (ACI)

The Caribbean’s presence was strong in Bogotá, Colombia during Routes Americas 2024, the route development forum for the Americas.

Held last week, the conference attracted several Caribbean destinations, whose executives connected with senior decision-makers from the region’s leading airlines and other tourism and aviation stakeholders.

A panel discussion on “Aviation Competitiveness in the Caribbean” provided much food for thought in addressing some of the key challenges facing the region’s aviation sector.

The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) played a lead role in orchestrating the powerful discussion, which featured Dr. Kenneth Romer (Deputy Director General of Tourism & Director of Aviation, The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation); Trevor Sadler(CEO, interCaribbean Airways); Hans van de Velde (CEO, Windward Islands Airways International – WINAIR); Rafael Echevarne (Director General, Latin America & Caribbean, Airports Council International – ACI); and Peter Cerdá (Regional Vice President, The Americas, International Air Transport Association – IATA), with David Appleby(Director, ASM) moderating.

Panelists discussed the high taxation and fees in the region, with some arguing that reducing these could increase demand and make travel more affordable. They also discussed the need for more deregulation and liberalization of the skies, and the potential for designating the Caribbean as a single domestic market. The role of state-owned carriers was also debated as well as the need for more public-private partnerships to enhance infrastructure and technology.

Bahamas to host Routes Americas next year

The Caribbean will take the spotlight when The Bahamas hosts Routes Americas 2025, a premier event in the aviation industry, February 10-13, 2025.

To be held at Atlantis, Paradise Island, the conference represents a significant milestone for The Bahamas and the region.

More than 900 senior industry professionals from airlines, airports and destinations are expected to participate in the meeting, the latest edition of which was held last week in Bogotá, Colombia.

The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation, the Nassau Paradise Island Promotion Board, and the Nassau Airport Development Company (NAD) are partnering to host the event. 

“The hosting of Routes Americas 2025 in Nassau signifies a pivotal moment in The Bahamas’ aviation and tourism sectors,” noted I. Chester Cooper, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation. “It’s a testament to our dedication to expanding global air connectivity and driving sustainable tourism growth. The expansion in airlift and ongoing airport developments throughout our archipelago have positioned us to achieve our goal of increasing stopover visitor arrivals to the country.”

“Since hosting Routes Americas in 2012, we continue to see positive 

returns from our involvement,” said Vernice Walkine, President & CEO of NAD. “Lynden Pindling International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the Caribbean, and we recognize the importance of fostering collaboration and forging new air service agreements to enhance connectivity to our beautiful islands,” added Walkine.

Cayman Islands tourism going global

Cayman Islands Director of Tourism Rosa Harris (left) with Dona Regis-Prosper, Secretary-General of the Caribbean Tourism Organization, in Colombia last week

The Cayman Islands is setting its sights on a bold expansion of its tourism and aviation sectors, reported Director of Tourism Rosa Harris at the Routes Americas 2024 aviation development conference held in Bogotá, Colombia last week.

Harris stated: “We are expanding the runway at Owen Roberts International Airport to hopefully expand long-haul flights into and out of the destination,” highlighting the strategic focus on broadening the islands’ reach to key markets in South America and Europe.

For the first time, the Cayman Islands displayed its own booth at the event, symbolizing a strengthened approach to networking and partnership development. Alongside the Cayman Islands Airports Authority, discussions with airline partners centered on the runway expansion and facility upgrades at the Owen Roberts International Airport.

The airport expansion aims to accommodate new flights from countries such as Brazil, Peru and Argentina, together with an increased presence in air arrivals from European nations, including Germany, Italy, France and Switzerland to complement existing London Heathrow service on British Airways. 

Read more in the Caribbean Tourism Authority at: https://caribbeantourismauthority.com/cayman-islands-tourism-expansion.

Region readies for Marketplace in Jamaica

Delegates at the 2019 Caribbean Travel Marketplace in Jamaica (from left: Fred Lounsberry, then CEO of the Nassau Paradise Island Promotion Board (NPIPB); Vanessa Ledesma, Acting CEO and Director General of CHTA; Joy Jibrilu, CEO of NPIPB; Karen Whitt, VP, Sales & Marketing of The Hartling Group in Turks and Caicos; Frank Comito, CHTA Consultant; and Patricia Affonso-Dass, Group General Manager of Ocean Hotels in Barbados)

Anticipation is building for the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association’s (CHTA) 42nd Caribbean Travel Marketplace (CTM), set to unfold at the Montego Bay Convention Centre in Jamaica, May 20-23, 2024. Marketplace was last held in Jamaica in 2019, while last year’s meeting took place in Barbados.



This year’s event promises to elevate the tourism industry experience with new features and focused tracks:

Innovative Three-Track Structure: Engage in discussions centered around the Business of Tourism (Caribbean Travel Forum), Marketing of Tourism (CTM), and the Community of Tourism, featuring the first Responsible Tourism Day.

Dedicated MICE Itinerary: For the first time, the event will include a segment specifically related to Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE), highlighting its growing importance in the global market.

Expanded Buyer Interest: With 150 buyer companies expected, the event has already seen a significant increase in registrations, including first-time participants from across the globe.

Multi-Destination Media Trip: A select group of media representatives will embark on a journey through the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and the Cayman Islands, exploring cultural diversity and the potential for multi-destination travel within the Caribbean.

Quotable Caribbean

“Private partners at times do a better job than the government at managing airports. That’s the reality. When it comes to funding and financing, oftentimes the government is concerned about the public purse … The private sector knows how to turn profits … So I’m a proponent (of) PPPs, it’s working right now in The Bahamas (with a value of more than half a billion US dollars).” – Dr. Kenneth Romer, Deputy Director General of Tourism & Director of Aviation, The Bahamas

Celebrating women of the U.S. Virgin Islands – Part Two

In this edition, we highlight the Virgin Islands 175th Emancipation Commemoration Committee’s focus on two more illustrious women whose remarkable contributions have greatly enriched the community and elevated the U.S. Virgin Islands’ stature on both local and international stages.

Marjorie Rawls Roberts – Legal and Community Service: With a career spanning over four decades, Marjorie “Jorie” Rawls Roberts stands as a stalwart of legal expertise and community dedication. Founding Marjorie Rawls Roberts, P.C., in 1999 after diverse experiences in the private and public sectors across the U.S. Virgin Islands, London, and Washington, D.C., Roberts specializes in taxation, corporate and securities law, among other areas. Her unwavering commitment to the Virgin Islands is evidenced by her advisory roles with the Economic Development Commission and the Research and Technology Park of the University of the Virgin Islands. An alumna of Smith College, Harvard University, and New York University School of Law, her impressive academic background is matched by her profound impact on legal practices and community development in the Territory. Beyond her professional endeavors, Roberts’ passion for writing, scuba diving, and sailing the Virgin Islands on her boat, “Downtime”, showcases her multifaceted life and interests.

Elizabeth A. Armstrong – Hospitality and Community Service: Elizabeth A. Armstrong, a visionary third-generation hotelier, has significantly shaped the hospitality landscape of St. Croix through her leadership of The Buccaneer Beach & Golf Resort. Her commitment to sustainability and community integration has not only preserved the resort’s legacy but also positioned it as a center of excellence in the Caribbean. Armstrong’s influence extends beyond hospitality, evident in her roles with the Water and Power Authority, the Good Hope School, and as a co-founder of the St. Croix Coral Reef Swim, highlighting her dedication to education, community development, and environmental conservation. A graduate of Good Hope School and New York University, her contributions to the Virgin Islands are profound, underscoring her pivotal role in promoting tourism, supporting nonprofits, and championing social welfare and animal rights.

As we celebrate these exceptional women, their stories of leadership, dedication, and service inspire us all to contribute positively to our community and the world at large.

Medical Moment

World Day for Safety and Health at Work takes place on April 28.

Recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Labour Organization (ILO), the theme focuses on exploring the impacts of climate change, such as heat stress, UV radiation, air pollution, major industrial accidents and extreme weather, on occupational safety and health this year.

Climate change can severely impact occupational safety and health risks, such as increased vector-borne diseases and exposure to chemicals.

To highlight the importance of this day, the ILO will convene a global event with experts and guest speakers from governments, employers, and workers to discuss how to protect workers and respond to this global challenge.

Marketplace Excellence Corporation (MPE) is a global public relations, marketing and media company.