Antigua and Barbuda made history as the host of the 43rd Caribbean Hotels and Tourism Association (CHTA) Caribbean Travel Marketplace from May 19 to 21.
A release from the CHTA said that the prestigious event s drew representatives from 15 countries across the Caribbean and featured over 800 participants, including buyers, sellers, and tourism stakeholders from around the region. Over the course of three days, the Marketplace facilitated 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 was Antigua and Barbuda’s vibrant participation, with 22 local companies actively engaging with international partners. Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation and Investment, Charles Fernandez, expressed his pride in the broad economic benefits the event has brought to the island.
He 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. We had an excellent presentation by Diann Black Layne 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, Fernandez was clear that sustainability must go beyond environmental concerns to include the people who sustain the industry.
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 also highlighted the broader significance for the country’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. This success speaks well for the OECS subregion and the Caribbean as a whole,” he noted.
Prime Minister Gaston Browne voiced his support for the event and the country’s growing reputation, remarking 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. 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,” Browne said.
He 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. 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.”
As Antigua and Barbuda continues to host major regional and international events, the successful staging of the Caribbean Travel Marketplace marked another milestone in the nation’s journey toward becoming the Caribbean’s premier destination for business, tourism, and culture.
