Freeland: Caribbean Corporate Games Will Drive Sports Tourism and Economic Growth

Minister of State in the Ministry of Tourism, Michael Freeland, says the Caribbean Corporate Games has the potential to become one of the region’s premier sports tourism events, generating economic activity while strengthening Antigua and Barbuda’s reputation as a destination for international sporting events.

Speaking Tuesday night at the official launch of the Caribbean Corporate Games at The Hut on Little Jumby Island, Freeland said the initiative represents far more than a sporting competition and aligns with the government’s strategy of expanding the country’s tourism offerings beyond its traditional attractions.

“It represents another step in Antigua and Barbuda’s continued investment in sports tourism and our commitment to positioning our country as the premier destination for world-class sporting events in the Caribbean,” he said.

Delivering remarks Freeland congratulated the organizers for selecting Antigua and Barbuda to host the inaugural event, describing the Games as an opportunity to combine sport, business, wellness, culture and tourism into a single experience.

The Minister said sports tourism has become one of the fastest-growing sectors of the global tourism industry, with destinations increasingly using sporting events to attract visitors, extend hotel occupancy and stimulate economic activity.

He noted that Antigua and Barbuda has already established itself as a host for international cricket, sailing, running and swimming events, and said the Caribbean Corporate Games will further diversify the country’s tourism product.

Freeland said the event will provide businesses with opportunities to strengthen teamwork, encourage healthier lifestyles and build professional relationships, while introducing participants to Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism product.

“For us, every athlete, every executive, every supporter and every family member who travels here contributes directly to our tourism economy,” he said, noting that visitors support hotels, restaurants, transportation providers, attractions and other local businesses.

He added that the benefits extend well beyond the sporting competition, creating opportunities for entertainers, taxi operators, tour guides, vendors and small businesses while encouraging repeat visits to the destination.

Looking ahead, Freeland said the ambition is to develop the Caribbean Corporate Games into the region’s leading corporate sporting festival, attracting hundreds of companies and thousands of participants from across the Caribbean, North America, Europe and other international markets.

He said the event has the potential to foster business relationships that could eventually translate into investment opportunities for Antigua and Barbuda and the wider Caribbean.

“That is the true value of sports tourism. It is not simply about competition. It is about creating memorable experiences, building international relationships, generating economic growth and showcasing our country to the world,” he said.

Freeland reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting initiatives that expand tourism offerings and encourage year-round visitation, adding that the country’s transition from a tourism industry to a tourism economy has been driven by deliberate policy and investment.

The Caribbean Corporate Games is scheduled to make its debut from June 18 to 20, 2027, with organizers targeting participation from more than 100 organisations and an estimated 1,500 visitors.