Saint Lucia to Host Inaugural CTO LATAM Summit in 2027

Saint Lucia is set to take centre stage in regional tourism development. The island will host the first-ever CTO Latin American Market Summit on May 5–6, 2027.

The announcement was made during World Travel Market Latin America in Brazil. As a result, the Caribbean continues to strengthen its presence within the Latin American travel space.

Strengthening Regional Tourism Ties

The summit will bring together key players from across the industry. These include airlines, tour operators, travel agents, media, and destination partners from Latin America and the Caribbean.

Over one and a half days, the event will focus on building stronger commercial relationships. In addition, it will create opportunities for collaboration across markets.

Importantly, the summit aims to position the Caribbean as a leading destination for Latin American travellers. At the same time, it will provide a platform for knowledge-sharing through panels, keynote sessions, and destination showcases.

Driving Air Connectivity and Market Growth

A major focus of the summit will be improving air connectivity. Organisers plan to build on insights from the CTO Air Connectivity Study. This research highlighted gaps in service, but also strong potential for expansion.

In particular, markets such as Argentina, Chile, and Brazil have been identified as key opportunities. Therefore, increasing direct air links will be a priority moving forward.

This focus comes at a critical time. South America emerged as the Caribbean’s fastest-growing source market in 2025. Arrivals increased by 23.7 per cent, reaching 2.4 million visitors. This growth was driven by stronger airlift, targeted marketing, and rising demand.

A Strategic Move for the Region

Saint Lucia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Ernest Hilaire, described the opportunity as a significant milestone.

He noted that strengthening ties with Latin America will unlock new routes and markets. As a result, destinations across the Caribbean can increase visitor numbers and revenue while supporting sustainable growth.

Meanwhile, Dona Regis-Prosper emphasised the summit’s role in driving action. She highlighted the importance of turning research into real-world outcomes, including new partnerships and route development.

Aligning with Key Regional Events

The summit will take place just ahead of the Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival. This timing allows visitors to experience both business and culture in one trip.

In addition, sessions will cover air route development, market intelligence, and partnership-building strategies. These discussions are expected to shape the next phase of Caribbean tourism growth.

A New Chapter for Caribbean–Latin America Relations

Overall, the CTO Latin American Market Summit signals a strategic shift. The Caribbean is actively expanding beyond traditional markets and embracing new opportunities.

By strengthening connections with Latin America, the region is positioning itself for long-term growth. More importantly, it is creating a more diversified and resilient tourism industry.