Antigua and Barbuda to Host Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2025

A Historic First for the Nation

The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) has selected Antigua and Barbuda as the host destination for the 43rd Caribbean Travel Marketplace (CTM) in May 2025. This significant event will attract major global buyers and regional suppliers, showcasing Antigua and Barbuda’s growing status as a key player in Caribbean hospitality and tourism.

The selection of Antigua and Barbuda highlights the nation’s remarkable rise in the tourism sector. “With a 16 percent increase in stay-over arrivals this year, surpassing 2019’s record levels, our twin-island nation has become a focal point for international travel and investment,” said Colin C. James, CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority. “The conference is anticipated to draw up to two thousand attendees, further establishing the destination as a prime location for the key MICE (Meetings, Incentives Conferences, and Exhibitions) market,” he added.

CHTA’s Signature Event

CHTA President Nicola Madden-Greig expressed her excitement about producing the next edition of its signature event in Antigua and Barbuda: “Marketplace is undisputedly the Caribbean’s largest and premier marketing event, and we are delighted that Antigua and Barbuda will be the site for this important gathering of Caribbean suppliers and global buyers, where new and established stakeholders can gain access to the diverse offerings of travel products and experiences throughout the region.”

Key Components of the Event

The 2025 edition of Marketplace promises a dynamic program, featuring:

* Responsible Tourism Day, highlighting the importance of sustainable tourism practices through community engagement activities
* Caribbean Travel Forum, bringing together public and private sector representatives to discuss critical issues in regional tourism
* Presentation of awards for outstanding individuals and organizations
* The Caribbean MICE Exchange returns, with a new component focusing on maximizing direct online bookings using the latest technology and trends in digital marketing and Artificial Intelligence
* One-on-one buyer-seller appointments, providing a valuable opportunity for participants to connect directly and drive business to the region

Main Venue and Location

The main venue for the conference activities will be the American University of Antigua (AUA), a new, state-of-the-art conference facility that successfully hosted the recent United Nations’ 4th International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS). The agreement to host the CHTA conference was reached at the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s (CTO) State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC) being held in Grand Cayman.

Economic Benefits

“This is an incredible opportunity for our twin-island nation to be on full display to industry leaders, potential investors, and key stakeholders in the global tourism sector,” said Craig Marshall, Chairman of the Antigua and Barbuda Hotels & Tourism Association. “Hosting such a prestigious event not only places us at the center of regional attention but also brings significant economic benefits.”

The influx of visitors, media coverage, and business engagements will provide a substantial boost to the local economy, create new opportunities for the tourism and hospitality sectors, and further solidify Antigua and Barbuda as a premier destination in the Caribbean.

Conclusion

Antigua and Barbuda’s hosting of the CHTA’s Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2025 marks a significant milestone in the nation’s tourism sector, solidifying its position as a key player in Caribbean hospitality and tourism. This event promises to be an unforgettable experience, bringing together industry leaders, potential investors, and key stakeholders from around the world.

FAQs

* What is the Caribbean Travel Marketplace?
The Caribbean Travel Marketplace is the Caribbean’s largest and premier marketing event, showcasing the diverse offerings of travel products and experiences throughout the region.
* When and where will the 2025 edition take place?
The 2025 edition will take place from May 18-22, 2025, at the American University of Antigua (AUA) in Antigua and Barbuda.
* What are the key components of the event?
The event will feature Responsible Tourism Day, Caribbean Travel Forum, presentation of awards, Caribbean MICE Exchange, and one-on-one buyer-seller appointments.