CHTA Announces Antigua and Barbuda as Host for 43rd Annual Caribbean Travel Marketplace

The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) has selected Antigua and Barbuda as the host destination for the 43rd Caribbean Travel Marketplace (CTM). Scheduled for May 18-22, 2025, the 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 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.”

Minister Charles ‘Max’ Fernandez, Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation and Investment, stated, “With major infrastructure and hotel developments as well as robust airlift, the twin island destination is not only a premier regional destination but conveniently accessible to travelers. As a natural hub for the Eastern Caribbean, Antigua and Barbuda is served by every major airline flying to the region. That makes us accessible from all primary and secondary markets in The Americas, UK/Europe and the Caribbean, by nonstop service and easy connections,” he added.

“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. Hosting such a prestigious event not only places us at the center of regional attention but also brings significant economic benefits,” said Craig Marshall, Chairman of the Antigua and Barbuda Hotels & Tourism Association. “The influx of visitors, media coverage, and business engagements will provide a substantial boost to our local economy, create new opportunities for our tourism and hospitality sectors, and further solidify Antigua and Barbuda as a premier destination in the Caribbean. We look forward to showcasing the unique charm, culture, and hospitality that make our islands truly special,” he added. 

The 2025 edition of Marketplace promises a dynamic program, featuring Responsible Tourism Day, highlighting the importance of sustainable tourism practices through community engagement activities. The Caribbean Travel Forum, another key event, will bring together public and private sector representatives to discuss critical issues in regional tourism. The forum will also recognize excellence across the sector by presenting awards for outstanding individuals and organizations.

The Caribbean MICE Exchange returns year, and CHTA will introduce a new component to this year's program: a day focused on maximizing direct online bookings using the latest technology and trends in digital marketing and Artificial Intelligence. 

CTM features one-on-one buyer-seller appointments as the major component of the conference. This B2B exchange provides a valuable opportunity for participants to connect directly and drive business to the region.

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.

CEO James addressed the media and used the opportunity to share that Antigua and Barbuda remains a leading travel destination with a year-round tourism product focused on sustainability while promoting its culture and heritage. Simultaneously, the Government embraced significant investments in the tourism sector, as the ABTA continues a tailored strategy that drives growth with new and repeat visitors.

James told the audience that the tailored strategy is designed to meet the changing expectations of today’s travelers, as showcased in the destination’s current 'be' campaign, saying, “With the increase in air service from key U.S. markets and the United Kingdom,  coupled with the ongoing expansion of our cruise ports, increase in accommodations, attractions, and special events to support our marketing pillars, we are reinforcing Antigua and Barbuda’s status as a premier tourist destination.”

The delegation to SOTIC includes the Permanent Secretary in the Antigua and Barbuda Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation and Investment, Ms. Sandra Joseph, who said, “Our achievements stem from collaboration with the private sector and a steadfast commitment to enhancing our diverse tourism offerings as we continue to set new records and hosting CHTA 2025 is an example of this.”