Speaking exclusively at the 2026 Caribbean Travel Marketplace, Wybren Meijer, Executive Director of the St. Maarten Hospitality & Trade Association (SHTA), highlighted the distinct cultural identity and robust tourism infrastructure driving the Dutch side of this unique dual-governed island.

Rubén Rosado Seguí, representing the Holiday Inn Mayagüez, emphasized that the city is successfully leveraging its strategic position to capture leisure travelers seeking authentic experiences beyond the capital.

Vanessa Ledesma, Chief Executive Officer of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), discusses the organization's evolving role in representing 32 destinations and its push for global media diversification during the Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2026 in Antigua and Barbuda.

In this exclusive interview, Edmund Bartlett, Jamaica’s Tourism Minister, outlines his vision for a "professionalized" industry that bridges the gap between high-end demand and local supply capabilities.

The Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2026, held against the stunning backdrop of Antigua and Barbuda, has served as a pivotal stage for the region’s most influential leaders to chart a course for the future of travel. 

Beyond the postcard-perfect white sand beaches and oceanfront resorts, Barbados aims to position itself as the Caribbean’s most authentic destination for Latin American travelers.