Toronto Hosts ACI World Launch of Global Airport Development Concession Guidelines Amid Surge in Air Travel: What You Need to Know

The city of Toronto, Canada played host to the release of new comprehensive global guidelines for airport development concession agreements by Airports Council International (ACI) World and ACI Latin America and the Caribbean on October 27, 2025. The unveiling took place during the 2025 ACI North America & ACI World Annual General Assembly, a critical global forum for airport leaders held at Toronto Pearson International Airport, with support from Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport. This landmark publication provides practical, globally informed guidance to governments, airport operators, private investors, and other stakeholders involved in public-private partnerships (PPPs), aiming to fortify airport infrastructure development during a period of historic air travel growth.​

Meeting the Infrastructure Challenge Amid Record Air Travel Demand

As international air travel reaches unprecedented levels, governments face growing fiscal pressures to expand, modernize, and sustainably operate airport infrastructure. With over eight hundred fifty airports in more than ninety countries currently incorporating private-sector involvement through one hundred thirty two projects under way globally by early 2025, the need for clear, standardized frameworks to govern these partnerships has never been more urgent. The guidelines aim to equip all parties with best practices that balance public interests with investment opportunities, ensuring airports remain efficient, secure, and competitive hubs for global connectivity and tourism growth.​

Comprehensive Guidance from Planning to Performance

The guidelines span the complete airport concession lifecycle, starting with project feasibility, through contract negotiation, and onto active management and performance monitoring. They include detailed models for risk identification and allocation addressing financial, operational, and demand-related uncertainties. This ensures transparent, balanced agreements that align the priorities of governments, concessionaires, and communities for long-term value creation. These tools are essential in minimizing conflicts, ensuring effective governance, and safeguarding traveler and public welfare.​

Emphasis on Sustainability and Community Integration

Sustainability forms a cornerstone of the new guidelines, underlining the integration of environmental stewardship and social value into airport infrastructure projects. Encouraging the adoption of green technologies, community engagement, and responsible development, the framework supports airports in maximizing positive local economic and social outcomes, vital to fostering inclusive tourism ecosystems around airports. This reflects a global commitment to sustainable tourism growth and climate-conscious infrastructure planning.​

Real-World Case Studies and Global Applicability

The publication draws on decades of regional and international expertise, featuring case studies highlighting successes and challenges from diverse airport concession models worldwide. This evidence-based approach provides governments and investors with adaptable, context-sensitive strategies that foster resilience and operational excellence amid varying regulatory environments.​

Strengthening Financial Resilience and Transparency

By promoting smarter partnership structures and improved communication among stakeholders, these guidelines enhance financial sustainability for airports globally. Transparent negotiation processes and risk-sharing mechanisms are instrumental in driving investor confidence and maintaining alignment between public goals and private sector incentives, fostering airport projects that deliver lasting benefits for users and local economies.​

Toronto’s Role as a Hub of Aviation Innovation and Leadership

The event’s setting, Toronto Pearson International, Canada’s busiest airport, symbolized the convergence of global airport leadership committed to evolving the air transport sector. Gathering over twenty-three hundred delegates, the conference highlighted collaboration as key to advancing airport infrastructure and operational standards critical to tourism and economic growth.​

Conclusion: A Unified Framework for Sustainable Airport Development

The launch of these new global guidelines heralds a pivotal moment in shaping the future of airport infrastructure development amid ongoing air travel expansion. By offering comprehensive tools for structuring, managing, and governing airport concessions with a focus on sustainability and public value, Airports Council International empowers airports and governments worldwide to meet burgeoning passenger demands efficiently and responsibly. This initiative supports the continued growth of global tourism by fostering airports as modern, resilient gateways that enhance travel experiences and economic prosperity within their communities.

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Azamara, Emerald, and Scenic Cruises Enhance Luxury Travel with Ship&Play Luggage Shipping Service: What You Need to Know

Passengers embarking on cruises with Azamara Cruises, Emerald Cruises and Tours, and Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours can now take advantage of a luxury luggage shipping service thanks to a new partnership with Ship&Play, the specialist provider behind ShipSticks. Starting November 1 for Azamara and November 15 for Emerald and Scenic cruises, travelers will have the option to ship their luggage from home directly to their shipboard suite and back after their voyage. This innovative service removes the burden of managing bulky bags during transfers, instantly elevating the onboard experience.

The Luxury of Effortless Travel from Doorstep to Destination

Ship&Play provides a smooth, fully insured, and trackable luggage delivery service designed to function as a bespoke concierge offering for cruise passengers. By taking care of baggage logistics, the partnership promises to minimize travel stress and allow guests to focus entirely on their holiday journey. Whether for round-trip or one-way travel, the service is especially beneficial for those who prefer not to handle luggage after a journey or after indulging in onboard shopping.

Transforming the Cruise Travel Experience

Azamara, Emerald, and Scenic, renowned for their premium cruise itineraries including destinations such as the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and Baltic regions, view the integration of Ship&Play as a step toward redefining luxury and convenience in cruising. The service fosters a superior guest experience by ensuring luggage arrives smoothly and securely, ready in suites upon arrival, allowing passengers to immediately immerse in the destination experiences provided by these cruise lines without the distraction of baggage.

Onboard Convenience and Travel Advisor Benefits

Passengers have the flexibility to book return shipments while still onboard, simplifying the end-of-cruise process. This seamless luggage transition aligns perfectly with the premium service standards of Azamara, Emerald, and Scenic. In addition, travel advisors promoting the service can earn commissions starting at ten percent per booking, providing an attractive business opportunity that further incentivizes premium travel solutions.

Impact on Tourism and Luxury Travel Sectors

By removing a significant logistical hurdle, the collaboration between Ship&Play and these leading cruise operators encourages increased uptake of luxury cruise holidays. Travelers valuing time, comfort, and reliability are likely to be attracted to this enhanced offering, supporting tourism growth in regions serviced by the Azamara, Emerald, and Scenic fleets. This improvement dovetails with broader trends toward personalized, hassle-free travel and strengthens these cruise lines’ competitive edge in the luxury segment.

Safeguarding Passenger Confidence with Full Tracking and Insurance

The service’s fully trackable nature and insurance coverage provide peace of mind to passengers entrusting their belongings to Ship&Play. Transparent logistics updates and guaranteed protection lower barriers for those hesitant about shipping luggage, highlighting the company’s commitment to quality and safety. This reliability complements the overall cruise experience, where attention to detail and guest care are paramount.

Future Outlook: Elevating Cruise Journeys Through Innovational Partnerships

The Ship&Play partnership with Azamara, Emerald, and Scenic illustrates a growing trend of integrating tech-driven concierge services into the luxury cruise market. Such collaborations are expected to expand in coming years, as cruise lines seek innovative ways to streamline journeys and heighten guest satisfaction. Detangling traditional pain points like luggage management meets evolving traveler expectations and promotes sustainable tourism by potentially reducing airport congestion and transportation logistics.

Ship&Play Set to Revolutionize Luggage Handling on Luxury Cruises

The launch of Ship&Play’s luggage shipping service aboard Azamara, Emerald, and Scenic cruises marks a transformative advancement in cruise travel convenience starting fall 2025. By enabling passengers to ship bags directly from home to cruise suites and back, the companies create a frictionless travel experience that fits seamlessly with their luxury offerings. This service not only enhances guest comfort but also amplifies the tourism appeal of the diverse destinations visited by these cruise lines, fostering greater satisfaction and confidence in upscale cruise holidays globally.

Image Credit: Scenic

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LIAT Air Launches New Caribbean Routes, Boosting Regional and Dominican Republic Connectivity: Here’s What You Need to Know

This December 2025, LIAT Air is increasing its commitment to Caribbean connectivity with new flights linking the Eastern Caribbean to the Dominican Republic. Starting December 12, the airline will operate a weekly direct service between Antigua and Santo Domingo, followed by two weekly flights connecting Dominica and Punta Cana beginning December 9. These new routes answer a growing demand for streamlined business and leisure travel between key destinations in the region.​

Antigua–Santo Domingo: A Strategic Link

The latest route launches with a Friday departure from Antigua’s VC Bird International Airport, arriving in Santo Domingo at 4 PM, and returning from the Dominican capital at 4:45 PM. The service, operated on LIAT Air’s advanced ATR 42-600 aircraft, exemplifies the airline’s effort to expand beyond traditional English-speaking Caribbean markets and tap the Dominican Republic’s increasing role as a travel, business, and diaspora hub. Introductory one-way fares begin at dollar three hundred forty eight, a price calibrated to attract both local travelers and international tourists.​

Dominica–Punta Cana: Gateway for Eco and Resort Tourism

The new Dominica–Punta Cana route is scheduled for Tuesdays and Saturdays, with flights departing Dominica at 2:10 PM and arriving in Punta Cana at 3:45 PM; return legs leave Punta Cana at 4:45 PM, and arrive back in Dominica at 6:20 PM. This flight utilizes LIAT’s Embraer ERJ-145 jet, highlighting the company’s fleet modernization and renewed focus on frequency and reliability.​

Punta Cana’s appeal as a world-class resort destination meshes with Dominica’s growing reputation for nature tourism, offering travelers new options for multistop vacations and fostering market diversification.

Expanding LIAT Air’s Regional Footprint

With these additions, LIAT Air cements its role as a pivotal carrier in Caribbean aviation, rekindling the spirit of the region’s traditional air bridge under a revitalized model. The recent launches join a spate of new routes in 2025, including services to Barbuda and Jamaica, as the airline’s network grows to match regional demand and changing travel patterns.​

The carrier also recently announced plans for Antigua–Guyana flights, reinforcing the Eastern Caribbean’s direct links with South America.

Impact on Tourism and Regional Development

These routes are expected to drive a notable uptick in tourism between the Eastern Caribbean and the Dominican Republic, a country experiencing record inbound arrivals and emerging as a hub for airlines serving both North and South America. The increased connectivity will facilitate business trips, educational exchanges, trade, and family travel, as well as boost visitor arrivals at both ends.​

Travel sector leaders have highlighted that LIAT Air’s expansion not only improves flight options for Caribbean nationals but also enhances accessibility for international visitors, supporting hotel occupancy, hospitality services, and tourism supply chains in the winter high season.

Enhancing Trade, Community, and Seamless Caribbean Travel

According to LIAT Air, the new network strategy is geared towards supporting economic development, diaspora mobility, and cultural exchange. By offering direct and reliable services to growing destinations like Santo Domingo and Punta Cana, the airline is making it easier for the Caribbean’s diverse populations to access business, medical, educational, and leisure opportunities across language and cultural lines.​

In addition to passenger service, the flights create new channels for the movement of goods and services, underpinning inter-island trade and business partnerships.

Booking and Travel Information

Tickets are available for booking through LIAT Air’s official platform and authorized travel agents. The company encourages early reservations to secure introductory fares and popular travel dates. The launch is part of a broader initiative to make Caribbean air travel smoother, more convenient, and more inclusive.​

With its revitalized network, LIAT Air continues to play a central role in connecting economies, communities, and cultures throughout the region at a time when streamlined travel is more essential than ever.

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Bahamasair Expands Caribbean Connectivity with New Nonstop Routes Starting December 2025: All You Need to Know

The Eastern Caribbean’s air connectivity is set to strengthen with Bahamasair’s new nonstop route between Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and North Eleuthera Airport starting November 23, 2025, alongside LIAT Air’s launches of Antigua to Santo Domingo and Dominica to Punta Cana flights in December. These developments underscore the region’s ongoing commitment to boosting tourism, facilitating business travel, and enhancing access to some of the Caribbean’s most beloved destinations.​

Bahamasair Brings North Eleuthera Closer to South Florida

Bahamasair’s new service will operate every Wednesday and Sunday through January 4, 2026. Flights depart Fort Lauderdale in the early afternoon, arriving in North Eleuthera two hours later with return legs timed to offer convenient day travel. Introductory roundtrip fares start at dollar three hundred sixteen, making it a compelling option for travelers seeking the Bahamas’ famed pink-sand beaches, charming pastel towns, and tranquil atmosphere without requiring long-haul flights.​

North Eleuthera serves as a gateway to Harbour Island and Spanish Wells, reachable by short ferry rides, ideal for quick getaways or extended Caribbean escapes. Destinations like Governor’s Harbour and Cape Eleuthera resort further highlight the island’s appeal as a destination for authentic natural beauty and relaxed leisure travel.​

LIAT Air’s Expanded Network: Antigua–Santo Domingo and Dominica–Punta Cana

Capitalizing on rising leisure and business demand, LIAT Air will introduce a weekly Friday flight between Antigua and Santo Domingo starting December 12, 2025. Operated with the ATR 42-600 aircraft, the route offers afternoon departures facilitating day or multi-day visits to the Dominican capital with competitive introductory fares.​ In addition, LIAT Air will start two weekly flights on Tuesdays and Saturdays between Dominica and Punta Cana beginning December 9, operated on Embraer ERJ-145 jets. The service connects Dominica’s eco-tourism offerings with Punta Cana’s large resort market, enabling diverse travel experiences and enhanced destination access.​

Regional Tourism and Economic Implications

These new air routes come at a pivotal moment for Caribbean travel, facilitating greater regional mobility while supporting the tourism sector’s growth objectives. By improving access among the Eastern Caribbean islands and the Dominican Republic, airlines like Bahamasair and LIAT Air help stimulate local economies through increased visitor spending, extended stays, and greater cultural interaction.​

Travel demand from North America and intra-Caribbean travelers is expected to benefit substantially from these shorter, more frequent routes, feeding hotel, dining, and service industries in each destination.

Airlines’ Fleet Modernization and Service Evolution

Bahamasair employs a modern ATR 42-600 aircraft for the new North Eleuthera route, reflecting fleet upgrades aimed at improved efficiency and comfort. LIAT Air continues to leverage its growing fleet, featuring Embraer ERJ-145 jets and ATR turboprops, to serve diverse markets ranging from short island hops to slightly longer regional flights. This fleet diversity enables schedule flexibility and scalable offerings tailored to seasonality and passenger volumes.​

Future Prospects in Regional Air Network Expansion

Both airlines have outlined plans for continued route development across the Caribbean, including LIAT’s anticipated new link to Guyana and Bahamasair’s sustained emphasis on connecting Florida and the Bahamas. These strategies demonstrate a shared vision of fostering a robust, interconnected Caribbean aviation market that supports tourism, trade, and community ties throughout the region.​

Booking and Travel Information

Passengers can book tickets from late 2025 via official airline websites and authorized travel agents. Early bookings are encouraged to secure promotional fares and desired travel dates, especially for holiday and high-season travel to the Caribbean’s premier leisure destinations.​

The introduction of these direct flights represents a welcome expansion of travel options, helping visitors bypass complex connections and facilitating easier access to some of the Caribbean’s most stunning island experiences.

Image Credit: BahamasAir

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