She calls on industry officials to remain laser-focused on maintaining the airlift that has returned since the pandemic and strengthening it into the future.

“This means connecting the region to its source markets, pursuing new links to emerging destinations, and returning intra-regional travel to its glory days when convenient schedules, as well as affordable fares, were the norm,” the Jamaican hotelier asserted.

Madden-Greig commended recent expansion efforts by indigenous carriers such as Caribbean Airlines and interCaribbean Airways, and was encouraged by LIAT’s transition to a new company to eventually “bolster efforts to promote multi-destination travel throughout the region.”

Reflecting on the past year, Madden-Greig said that despite the global downturn in inbound tourism, the Caribbean has defied the odds with an impressive increase in visitors.

“As we set our sights on the horizon, it is paramount that we elevate Caribbean tourism beyond recovery and growth, literally propelling it into the stratosphere. Our vision is clear: learn from our successful innovations and recovery stories, implement best practices, and foster seamless collaboration with industry and government stakeholders. And together, we can reach new heights and redefine the narrative of Caribbean tourism,” she commented.

In addition to addressing the ongoing challenges of air connectivity, Madden-Greig stated: “We need to strengthen our resilience by implementing robust crisis preparedness strategies, ensuring the safety and security of both visitors and residents alike, while embracing sustainable practices to safeguard our pristine landscapes and promote responsible tourism.”

Since the decline in regional air travel, leaders have been trying to restore regional connectivity.