Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association Welcomes the Caribbean’s Most Important Tourism Event to Antigua and Barbuda in 2025 with Registration for the 43rd Caribbean Travel Marketplace Now Open

Friday, February 21, 2025

The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) has officially opened registration for the highly anticipated 43rd annual Caribbean Travel Marketplace (CTM), which will be held in Antigua and Barbuda from May 18-22, 2025. This event is particularly special as it marks the first time the picturesque twin-island nation will host the Caribbean’s premier business-to-business tourism gathering. CTM will serve as a dynamic platform for global buyers and regional suppliers to network, explore new business opportunities, and elevate the Caribbean’s presence on the world tourism map.

“This is an exciting time for us as we prepare to welcome our valued tourism partners from around the world to Antigua and Barbuda,” said Antigua and Barbuda’s Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation, and Investment, The Honourable Charles Fernandez. “We are extremely pleased to be showcasing the beauty and culture of our twin-island paradise, as the host country for the 43rd edition of CHTA’s Caribbean Travel Marketplace. This event fosters meaningful partnerships that drive business growth and economic success across the Caribbean, and we certainly look forward to welcoming you to our shores for a truly immersive and productive Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2025!”

“Caribbean Travel Marketplace is more than just a trade event—it’s a catalyst for business growth, collaboration, and innovation in our region’s tourism industry,” said CHTA CEO Vanessa Ledesma. “As we bring Marketplace to Antigua and Barbuda for the very first time, we are excited to create new opportunities for our members, to strengthen global partnerships, and to showcase the diversity of the Caribbean hospitality and tourism product. With many new program elements, CTM 2025 will be a pivotal moment in our industry’s continued evolution.” 

This year’s Caribbean Travel Marketplace (CTM) promises an expanded and dynamic agenda, designed to offer fresh insights, resources, and opportunities that will strengthen not only CHTA members but the entire tourism industry. The following events will be featured:

• Responsible Tourism Day on Sunday, May 18 – A day dedicated to showcasing sustainable tourism practices, community engagement, and strategies to ensure long-term environmental and cultural preservation.
• Caribbean Travel Forum on Monday, May 19 – A high-level gathering bringing together public and private sector leaders to address key tourism challenges and opportunities in the region. Topics such as innovation, investment, and workforce development will be discussed, alongside the presentation of prestigious industry awards recognizing exceptional achievements.
• Direct Booking Summit, Caribbean Edition on Thursday, May 22 – A new addition to the program, this one-day event will focus on the latest digital marketing strategies, AI-driven solutions, and tech trends designed to boost direct online bookings and enhance the Caribbean’s digital competitiveness.

In addition to these impactful events, CTM 2025 will continue its signature one-on-one buyer-seller appointments, offering a powerful platform for participants to forge new partnerships and expand their global market presence.

A World-Class Venue in a Premier Destination

The American University of Antigua (AUA) will host the Marketplace, providing a state-of-the-art conference facility that recently welcomed the United Nations’ 4th International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS). With Antigua and Barbuda’s renowned hospitality and excellent air connectivity, attendees can look forward to a remarkable experience, both inside the conference venue and in the destination itself.