Antigua & Barbuda to Host 2025 Caribbean Travel Marketplace
Antigua and Barbuda has been chosen as the host for the 43rd Caribbean Travel Marketplace (CTM), organized by the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA). The announcement was made during the State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC) in the Cayman Islands, sparking excitement among regional stakeholders.
The event, scheduled for May 18-22, 2025, will take place at the University of Antigua (AUA) campus, a venue that recently hosted the United Nations’ Fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS). This marks the first time Antigua and Barbuda will host the CTM, a significant event that brings together global buyers and regional suppliers in the tourism industry.
Colin James, CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, highlighted the country's recent growth, noting, “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.”
CHTA President Nicola Madden-Greig also expressed her enthusiasm: “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.”
Charles “Max” Fernandez, Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation, and Investment for Antigua and Barbuda, emphasized the country's accessibility and strategic location. “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 noted.
Craig Marshall, Chairman of the Antigua and Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association, echoed the excitement, emphasizing the economic benefits of hosting the event: “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.”
The upcoming Marketplace will feature a dynamic program that includes a Responsible Tourism Day, focused on sustainable tourism practices through community engagement activities. Additionally, the Caribbean MICE Exchange will return, and CHTA plans to introduce a new component aimed at maximizing direct online bookings using the latest technology, digital marketing trends, and Artificial Intelligence.
With major infrastructure developments, robust airlift, and a reputation as a premier regional destination, Antigua and Barbuda is set to shine as it welcomes global tourism leaders and stakeholders in 2025.
