Antigua and Barbuda to host Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2025 by CHTA

Antigua and Barbuda is named as the host destination for the 43rd Caribbean Travel Marketplace in 2025. The announcement was officially made by the authority of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA).

The 43rd Caribbean Travel Marketplace will be hosted over the course of five days, from 18 May to 22 May 2025. The aim of the initiative is to attract major buyers from around the globe and suppliers in the region to make their presence known.

The significant gathering of stakeholders and participants from all around the world will help to showcase the growing status and abilities of Antigua and Barbuda in the hospitality and tourism sector.

The American University of Antigua (AUA) is selected at the main venture to host the Caribbean Travel Marketplace in 2025. AUA is a new state-of-the-art conference facility that was also used to host the 4th International Conference on Small Island Developing States by United Nations.

The CHTA officials stated that the Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2025 edition will also feature events like Responsible Tourism Day, the Caribbean Travel Forum, and the Caribbean MICE Exchange. The Caribbean MICE exchange was also a part of the 2024 edition of the Caribbean Travel Marketplace.

The programs on Responsible Tourism Day will involve community engagement activities to highlight the importance of sustainable tourism practices. Another key event of the Caribbean Travel Forum will focus on private sector and public representatives coming together.

The Forum will focus on the discussion related to the critical issues faced in regional tourism. Caribbean Travel Forum will also recognize the outstanding works of individuals and organizations in the sector by awarding them for their services.

The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) will also introduce a new component to the Caribbean Travel Marketplace in 2025. The addition to the Antigua and Barbuda event will be a day dedicated to maximizing the use of the latest technology, trends, and AI to direct online bookings.

Colin James, the CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, shared his words on the selection of the island nation for the Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2025. He marked this as a highlight of the remarkable rise in the tourism sector.

CEO James said, “With a sixteen percent increase in stay-over arrivals in 2024, surpassing record levels of 2019, our twin-island nation has become a point of focus for international travel and investment.”

Nicola Madden Greig, President of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), also expressed her excitement for the upcoming Caribbean Travel Marketplace.

CHTA President Madden Greig said, “Marketplace is undisputedly the largest and premier marketing event of the Caribbean, and we are delighted that Antigua and Barbuda will be the site for this important gathering of global buyers and Caribbean suppliers.”

She added, “The event will be the spot where established and new stakeholders can gain access to the diverse offerings of travel products along with the experiences throughout the region.”

Charles Max Fernandez, Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation and Investment, said, “With hotel developments and major infrastructure as well as robust airlift, we are not only a premier regional destination but also conveniently accessible to travelers.”

Minister Fernandez added, “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 UK/Europe, Americas, and the Caribbean, with easy connections and nonstop service.”

Craig Marshall, Chairman of the Antigua and Barbuda Hotels & Tourism Association, said, “This is an incredible opportunity for our Antigua and Barbuda 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.”

He continued, “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.”