Antigua and Barbuda Hosts Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2025

19 May 2025 3:10pm

From May 18 to 22, 2025, Antigua and Barbuda is taking center stage in Caribbean tourism as it hosts the Caribbean Travel Marketplace for the first time.

This flagship event, organized by the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), is the largest and most influential gathering of tourism professionals in the region. It’s being held at the American University of Antigua (AUA), a state-of-the-art venue that also recently hosted the 4th United Nations International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

The 43rd edition of the Marketplace brings together international buyers and regional suppliers in a packed agenda focused on business development, sustainability, and digital transformation in the travel industry.

Key highlights of the event include:

Responsible Tourism Day (May 18): A day dedicated to promoting sustainable travel practices and community engagement.
Caribbean Travel Forum (May 19): A summit for public and private sector leaders to address key regional tourism issues, including infrastructure development and aviation.
Buyer-Seller Appointments (May 20–21): The core of the Marketplace, these B2B meetings allow for direct business negotiations to drive tourism growth across the Caribbean, especially for the upcoming summer season.
Direct Booking Summit (May 22): A new addition this year, focusing on digital marketing, AI-powered solutions, and strategies to boost direct bookings for regional tourism businesses.

By hosting this prestigious event, Antigua and Barbuda not only showcases its stunning beaches and warm hospitality but also highlights its growing influence in shaping the future of Caribbean tourism. The country's strategic location, modern infrastructure, and commitment to innovation make it an ideal setting for this globally significant forum.

As CHTA President Nicola Madden-Greig noted, Antigua and Barbuda is "poised to become a hub of tourism innovation" in the region. The Marketplace is expected to draw wide international attention, further reinforcing the twin-island nation's reputation as one of the fastest-growing tourism destinations in the Caribbean and the Western Hemisphere.