The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) has selected Antigua and Barbuda as the host destination for its next Caribbean Travel Marketplace (CTM). Scheduled for May 18-22, 2025, the 43rd annual event is the region’s signature travel trade event, attracting major global buyers, regional suppliers and media. This year’s event was hosted by Jamaica.
In 2025, CTM will showcase Antigua and Barbuda’s growing status as a key player in Caribbean hospitality and tourism.
“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 2,000 attendees, further establishing the destination as a prime location for the key MICE market,” he added.
“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,” said CHTA President Nicola Madden-Greig.
Antigua-Barbuda tourism minister Charles ‘Max’ Fernandez, added, “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 travellers. As a natural hub for the Eastern Caribbean, Antigua and Barbuda is served by every major airline flying to the region.”
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 will also return and CHTA will introduce a new component to the 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).