Antigua and Barbuda Proudly Hosts the 43rd CHTA Caribbean Travel Marketplace

(St. John’s Antigua; May 20, 2025), Antigua and Barbuda is making history as the proud host of the 43rd Caribbean Hotels and Tourism Association (CHTA) Caribbean Travel Marketplace, which began on May19 and will culminate on May 21, 2025.

This prestigious event has drawn together representatives from 15 countries across the Caribbean, featuring over 800 participants, including buyers, sellers, and tourism stakeholders from around the region. Over the course of three days, the Marketplace will facilitate more than 9,000 business meetings, serving as a dynamic platform for networking, business development, and showcasing the best of Caribbean tourism.

At the heart of the event is Antigua and Barbuda’s vibrant local participation, with 22 local companies actively engaging with international partners. Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation and Investment, the Hon. Charles Fernandez, expressed his pride in the broad economic benefits the event has brought to the island. “The Marketplace is impacting nearly every sector of our local economy,” said Minister Fernandez.

“Taxi operators, tour operators, hotels, and restaurants are all seeing tangible gains. We’ve even encouraged delegates to enjoy our local culinary scene during our Culinary Month, which has been an excellent opportunity to highlight Antigua’s rich food culture.”

Minister Fernandez also placed a strong emphasis on sustainability, a key theme of this year’s Marketplace. “I insisted on dedicating a segment of the program to sustainable tourism,” he explained. “We had an excellent presentation by Diane Black Lane and  Ruleo Camacho focusing on resilient business practices and environmental restoration efforts.”

These sessions covered critical topics including reef restoration, sand dune preservation, mangrove conservation, and wildlife protection. However, Minister Fernandez was clear that sustainability must go beyond environmental concerns to include the people who sustain the industry. “Sustainability means caring for our workforce; those who live and work in tourism and ensuring no one is left behind,” he said.

This emphasis on people-centered sustainable tourism reflects the Ministry’s commitment to fostering a more inclusive and resilient tourism economy, one that balances environmental stewardship with economic opportunity and social equity.

Reflecting on the significance of hosting this event, Sir Molwyn Joseph, who served as Antigua and Barbuda’s Minister of Tourism from 1999 to 2001, expressed heartfelt pride. “Having attended similar events globally during my tenure, I never imagined we would see such a prestigious marketplace hosted here in Antigua,” Sir Molwyn remarked.

He praised the current Minister and government for their vision and diligence in elevating Antigua and Barbuda as a hub for international tourism events. “The venue is one of the best I have seen, with an impressive number of exhibitors and an excellent layout. This event will not only boost tourism but also inspire confidence in our government’s ability to perform on the international stage.”

Sir Molwyn also highlighted the broader significance for Antigua’s positioning as a regional leader. “Hosting this event, alongside other major conferences such as the Commonwealth Conference and the Organization of American States meeting, firmly establishes Antigua as a key destination for international gatherings,” he noted. “This success speaks well for the OECS subregion and the Caribbean as a whole.”

Prime Minister the Hon. Gaston Browne added his voice in support of the event and the country’s growing reputation. He underlined that Antigua and Barbuda is uniquely prepared for such high-profile events thanks to its advanced infrastructure and strategic vision for tourism development. “We are one of the few Caribbean countries equipped to host events of this scale,” Prime Minister Browne said. He continued that, “tourism remains a critical economic driver, and we are committed to expanding both cruise arrivals and overnight visitors. This event is a clear demonstration of our capability and ambition.”

The Prime Minister also noted the broader benefits of hosting the Marketplace. “Beyond the economic impact, the event showcases the Caribbean’s unparalleled leisure and lifestyle offerings and strengthens regional collaboration,” he explained. “Though we face challenges like limited domestic capital, growth in tourism continues to open new opportunities and improve the quality of life for Caribbean people.”

The 43rd Caribbean Travel Marketplace will climax tomorrow evening with the much-anticipated Wicket Fete at the Coolidge Cricket Grounds, the iconic home of Cricket West Indies. This closing event promises delegates a unique experience that blends the island’s passion for cricket with its vibrant carnival culture. Attendees can expect an unforgettable celebration of Antigua’s rich heritage, lively music, and culinary delights, offering a true taste of the Caribbean spirit.

As Antigua and Barbuda continues to host major regional and international events, the successful staging of the Caribbean Travel Marketplace marks another milestone in the nation’s journey toward becoming the Caribbean’s premier destination for business, tourism, and culture.