Antigua and Barbuda becomes first Eastern Caribbean nation to host 43rd Annual Caribbean Travel Marketplace

Antigua and Barbuda became the first ever Eastern Caribbean nation to host 43^rd Annual Caribbean Travel Marketplace in May 2025. With a 16% surge in the stay-over arrivals in 2024, Antigua and Barbuda is emerging out to be the captivating tourist destinations of the Caribbean region.

Antigua and Barbuda was selected by the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association as the host destination for the Annual Caribbean Marketplace. This prestigious event is aiming to play a huge role in bringing major international buyers and suppliers to the shores of the nation.

The venue selected to host the 2025 edition of the Annual Caribbean Travel Marketplace is the American University of Antigua (AUA), a state-of-the-art conference facility.

While shedding light on this opportunity, the CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, Colin James stated that the twin-island nation has become a focal point for global travel and investment. He noted that the island nation is making its growing influence in the Caribbean’s hospitality and tourism association.

Caribbean Travel Marketplace affords tourism suppliers the opportunity to meet face-to-face with wholesalers from around the world, selling Caribbean vacation travel over the course of two days of business meetings.

The event consists of pre-scheduled appointments between suppliers and buyers. An appointment clock informs and leads the buyers to their next designated supplier appointment at designated booths or locations.

Caribbean Travel Marketplace’s main objective is for suppliers and buyers to conduct negotiations that benefit the region. Only companies within the specified registration criteria can attend the event; there are no daily passes or general attendance.

The President of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association, Nichola Madden-Greig expressed excitement on hosting Antigua and Barbuda Travel Marketplace in Antigua and Barbuda. He called it the largest and the premier marketing event for the country.

He stated that it will play a huge role in providing several opportunities to all the stakeholders to explore the diverse offerings of the travel products and its experiences.

The Chairman of the Antigua and Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association, Craig Marshall also shed light on hosting this prestigious event. He stated that is a great opportunity for them to receive a regional attention and bring significant economic benefits.

He added that they are looking forward to showcasing the unique charm, hospitality, and culture of the island nation to all the attendees of the 43^rd Annual Caribbean Travel Marketplace.

The 2025 edition of Caribbean Travel Marketplace promises to feature several programmes such as Responsible Tourism Day, the Caribbean Travel Forum, the Caribbean MICE Exchange. Along with that the delegates will also conduct a session focusing on maximizing direct online bookings using the latest digital marketing and AI trends.