As preparations intensify for the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), property owners across Antigua and Barbuda are being urged to register for one of the largest events to be held by the country.

Executive Director of the Antigua and Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association (ABHTA) and Co-Lead of the CHOGM Accommodations Sub-Committee, Patrice Simon said that accommodations remain a critical component of strategic planning, as the twin-island nation prepares to welcome thousands of visitors from across the Commonwealth.

“The task of the [National Taskforce] Accommodations Committee has always been, how do we begin to secure the rooms? We have our traditional hotel partners, typically those are the members of the ABHTA, and we have our short-term rentals, which we would normally refer to as our Airbnb rentals,” according to Simon, who was speaking on The Road to CHOGM show on state media.

The event’s organizers have indicated that they are using the attendance of approximately 5000 delegates at the meeting held in Samoa in 2024 as a benchmark to determine the total capacity for this year’s CHOGM meeting, which will attract President/Prime Ministers, foreign ministers, diplomats and other members of official delegations, including participants of the Women’s Forum, Youth Forum, People’s Forum, Business Forum and other side events which should host about 250 attendees per event.

Simon also noted that Antigua and Barbuda’s accommodation strategy extends beyond traditional hotels and resorts, with villas, guesthouses, apartments and short-term rental properties also being encouraged to participate.

“This is not just about hotels. We need villas, guesthouses, apartments and short-term rentals because accommodating CHOGM will require a national effort,” she said.

About 70 property owners have registered their accommodation businesses so far, with nearly 50 of those being short-term rental properties. However, officials believe many more suitable properties remain unregistered.

“We want CHOGM to benefit communities across Antigua and Barbuda, not just traditional tourism hubs.”

Simon stressed that registration is becoming increasingly urgent, with July expected to be a major booking period for heads of delegation and foreign ministers. It was revealed that bookings for 37 of the 56 Commonwealth member countries are already being managed by National Taskforce Accommodations Committee, while an additional 15 countries have conducted advance accommodation inspections.

Officials also underscored the long-term benefits of successfully hosting CHOGM, describing the event as a major opportunity to strengthen Antigua and Barbuda’s position in the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Events (MICE) market and attract future international business and tourism opportunities.

“CHOGM is not only about hosting delegates for one week; it is an opportunity to position Antigua and Barbuda as a premier destination for major international conferences and events,” Simon said.

To be eligible, properties must register, undergo inspection and receive approval from the Ministry of Tourism’s Quality Assurance Unit. Inspections assess several factors, including cleanliness, housekeeping standards, fire safety, water quality, sanitation, security and overall guest experience.

Only approved properties will be listed on the official CHOGM accommodation portal used by delegates to secure lodging.