Saint Lucia Selected to Host Inaugural 2027 CTO Latin American Market Summit

In a strategic move to solidify the Caribbean's presence in South America, the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) announced that Saint Lucia will host the first-ever CTO Latin American Market Summit on May 5–6, 2027. The announcement was made this week at World Travel Market (WTM) Latin America in Brazil, signaling a major shift in the region's approach to market diversification and economic prosperity.

The summit is designed as a high-level platform to bridge the gap between Caribbean stakeholders and the booming Latin American travel sector. By convening major airlines, tour operators, and media representatives, the event aims to turn recent market research into commercial reality. A primary focus of the summit will be addressing the capacity gaps identified in the CTO Air Connectivity Study, specifically targeting new direct routes to and from Argentina, Chile, and Brazil.

The decision to launch this summit follows a record-breaking year for South American travel to the region. In 2025, South America emerged as the Caribbean’s strongest-performing source market, with arrivals surging by 23.7% to reach 2.4 million visits. This growth has been largely attributed to enhanced air links and targeted marketing, proving that the Latin American demographic is key to the Caribbean’s long-term sustainability and resilience against fluctuations in traditional North American markets.

Dr. Ernest Hilaire, Saint Lucia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, emphasized that hosting the event is an honor that aligns with the island's goals for sustainable economic growth. By targeting direct links, the administration hopes to boost visitor numbers and revenue across local communities. Dona Regis-Prosper, Secretary-General of the CTO, noted that the summit in Saint Lucia will allow the organization to "turn insights into action," delivering tangible benefits for all member countries through strengthened regional collaboration.

The timing of the event is also calculated for maximum impact, scheduled to take place just before the start of the legendary Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival. This alignment will allow delegates to experience the island’s "Orange Economy"—its cultural and creative industries—firsthand. As the Caribbean looks toward 2027, the Latin American Market Summit represents a critical innovation in how the region manages its international partnerships and investment.