The Saint Lucia Tourism Authority (SLTA) has confirmed that Honourable Dr. Ernest Hilaire, Minister for Tourism, Commerce, Investment, Creative Industries, Culture and Heritage, and Chief Executive Officer Louis E A Lewis will attend the upcoming Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO) Air Connectivity Summit in Bermuda, scheduled for February 24, at The Hamilton Princess and Beach Club.
This event will take place alongside the CTO Spring Business Meetings, which will begin on February 23. The high-level conference will convene regional tourism leaders, airline executives, aviation authorities and policy makers to examine the future of air transport and its critical role in tourism and economic development across the Caribbean and beyond.
The event programme will include strategic discussions with airline and aviation leaders aimed at expanding global airlift access, strengthening Caribbean air links and exploring aviation’s direct connection to tourism development.
Saint Lucia’s participation underscores the Government’s continued focus on strengthening airlift partnerships, improving route development strategies, and positioning the destination for sustained growth in stayover arrivals.
Minister Hilaire noted that air connectivity remains one of the most critical pillars of tourism competitiveness. “Strategic airlift development is fundamental to Saint Lucia’s tourism growth and overall economic resilience. Forums such as this allow us to engage directly with airline partners and regional counterparts to ensure Saint Lucia remains accessible, competitive and forward thinking in a rapidly evolving aviation landscape.”
CEO Louis E.A. Lewis added that collaboration is essential to sustaining recent tourism performance gains. “Air connectivity is more than routes, it is about partnerships, data-driven planning, and aligning aviation strategy with tourism demand. Our presence at this conference ensures Saint Lucia continues to play an active role in shaping airlift solutions.”
The SLTA anticipates that discussions at the summit will support ongoing efforts to enhance connectivity from key source markets, while also addressing the longstanding need for improved intra-regional travel across the Caribbean.
