New joint venture aims to make travel between Africa and the Caribbean more accessible, affordable and commercially viable
A new initiative designed to strengthen travel, tourism and commercial connectivity between Africa and the Caribbean has been launched following months of planning and consultation.
The African Caribbean Travel Corridor (ACTC) is being established as a joint venture between three organisations: the African Caribbean Sustainability & Investment Initiative CIC (ACSII), led by Chairman David F. Roberts; The Africa Guide, led by Founder and Group CEO Dr Vicki L. Otaruyina; and the Africa Center for Hospitality, Aviation and Tourism (AfCHAT), led by Chief Executive Officer Akwasi Agyeman.
The initiative seeks to address longstanding challenges that have made travel between Africa and the Caribbean difficult, costly and fragmented despite the regions’ deep historical, cultural and economic connections.
ACTC aims to develop an integrated Africa Caribbean travel corridor connecting people, businesses, investors, tourists, students, professionals and families, while creating new opportunities for airlines, hotels, tour operators, logistics providers and other businesses within the travel ecosystem.
A major focus of the initiative will be improving direct air connectivity between the two regions.
Air Peace has already established direct services linking Lagos with Barbados and Antigua. The ACTC partners intend to build on these connections by exploring additional routes and gateways between West Africa and the Caribbean.
The partners believe improved air connectivity could reduce the time, cost and complexity of travelling between Africa and the Caribbean while opening new markets for tourism, investment and business.
David F. Roberts, Chairman of ACSII, said:
“For too long, the Atlantic has connected Africa and the Caribbean historically and culturally, but not sufficiently through modern transportation and commercial infrastructure. The African Caribbean Travel Corridor is about changing that. We want to make Africa–Caribbean travel easier, more affordable and commercially meaningful.”
Dr Vicki L. Otaruyina, Founder and Group CEO of The Africa Guide, said the initiative would seek to address the gap between the two regions and create practical opportunities for greater movement and engagement.
“The Caribbean is one of Africa’s most important global communities and markets, yet there remains a significant travel and tourism gap between our regions. ACTC is designed to turn that gap into an opportunity by creating practical pathways for people to travel, discover, invest and do business across the Atlantic.”
Akwasi Agyeman, CEO of AfCHAT, said stronger connectivity would be important to the development of tourism and closer cooperation between African and Caribbean stakeholders.
“Connectivity is fundamental to the growth of tourism. By bringing African and Caribbean tourism stakeholders together and improving access between the two regions, ACTC can contribute to a new era of tourism development, investment and collaboration.”
Beyond aviation, ACTC will explore opportunities in tourism, hospitality, logistics, travel technology, destination marketing and investment.
The initiative will also work with governments, airlines, airports, tourism authorities and private sector organisations to develop the wider infrastructure needed to support travel and commercial activity between Africa and the Caribbean.
The partners say the initiative is intended to create a broader ecosystem that supports the movement of people and strengthens the commercial relationships behind an emerging Africa Caribbean economic corridor.
The launch comes amid growing interest in strengthening ties between Africa and the Caribbean and expanding opportunities for the global African and Caribbean diaspora.
The ACTC partners believe improved connectivity can support growth in tourism, business travel, investment and cultural exchange between the two regions.
About The Africa Guide
The Africa Guide is a diaspora first media, tourism and cultural intelligence platform covering all 54 African countries. Founded and led by Dr Vicki L. Otaruyina, Founder and Group CEO, the platform seeks to connect Africa with its global diaspora through media, storytelling and strategic partnerships, including work reflected in the Africa Caribbean Travel Corridor.
About AfCHAT
The Africa Center for Hospitality, Aviation and Tourism (AfCHAT), based in Ghana, is led by Chief Executive Officer Akwasi Agyeman. AfCHAT works to strengthen hospitality, aviation and tourism development across Africa by connecting industry stakeholders, airlines and destinations to support the continent’s travel economy.
About ACSII
The African Caribbean Sustainability & Investment Initiative CIC (ACSII) is a Community Interest Company chaired by David F. Roberts. The organisation works to build sustainable investment, trade and development links between Africa and the Caribbean, including through the ACSII Trade Bridge Mission.
Media and partnership enquiries
African Caribbean Travel Corridor (ACTC)
A joint venture of ACSII, The Africa Guide and AfCHAT
Contact:
Dr Vicki L. Otaruyina
vicki@theafricaguide.net
info@theafricaguide.net
+1 246 844 6396
+1 246 256 8478 (WhatsApp only)