antigua barbuda
Antigua has been a rising Caribbean hotspot, and now it's the centerpiece of the region's top tourism event.
Caribbean

The Caribbean’s Biggest Tourism Event Just Kicked Off in Antigua and Barbuda 

By: Caribbean Journal Staff - May 18, 2025 - 11:14 am

The Caribbean’s biggest tourism event, the Caribbean Travel Marketplace, has officially kicked off in Antigua and Barbuda.

Organized by the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association, this year marks the first time the twin-island nation is hosting the event, which runs through May 22 at the American University of Antigua. (Caribbean Journal will be on the ground providing updates from the event throughout the week).

The 43rd edition of what attendees simply call “Marketplace” brings together global buyers and regional suppliers for a series of business-to-business meetings aimed at strengthening the Caribbean’s tourism sector.

Delegates will engage in one-on-one appointments, networking sessions, and forums designed to foster collaboration and drive economic growth across the region.

long bay in antigua
Long Bay Beach in Antigua.

The event’s agenda includes Responsible Tourism Day on May 18, focusing on sustainable tourism practices and community engagement.

On May 19, the Caribbean Travel Forum will convene public and private sector leaders to discuss essential issues affecting regional tourism, from development to aviation.

The Marketplace’s signature buyer-seller appointments will take place on May 20 and 21, providing opportunities for direct business negotiations, it’s a lively, energetic mix of expo and trade show, with a strong pace and a focus on driving the region’s business, particularly for the upcoming summer season.

A new addition this year is the Direct Booking Summit on May 22, which will explore digital marketing strategies and AI-driven solutions to enhance the region’s competitiveness.

The event is expected to attract significant international attention, further solidifying Antigua and Barbuda’s position as a key player in the Caribbean hospitality and tourism sector. With its strategic location and state-of-the-art facilities, the nation is poised to make a lasting impression on attendees from around the world.

It also puts the twin-island hotspot of Antigua and Barbuda in the spotlight, reinforcing a destination that has been one of the fastest-growing places to visit in the broader Caribbean and the hemisphere in recent years. 

Popular Posts antigua long bay

25 Perfect Caribbean Beaches to Add to Your Summer Bucket List

There’s nothing like a Caribbean beach in summer. The crowds thin out, the winds relax, and the islands start breathing in a different way. The beaches you thought you knew feel new again— stretches of sand once packed with winter […]


The 15 Best Hotels in Trinidad and Tobago, From Hidden Eco-Retreats to Luxury Towers

trinidad and tobago hotels where to stay

From Port of Spain to Tobago’s quiet coasts, these are the places to check in now No two Caribbean islands are quite like Trinidad and Tobago—and no two hotels here feel the same. This is a destination of contrast: Carnival […]


This Marriott All-Inclusive Resort Is Coming to Barbados —  And You Can Book It With Points

new brand for the caribbean

Barbados has long been a haven for adults in search of refinement — the kind of place where luxury and culture blend in quiet, confident harmony. Now, that ethos is becoming the foundation of a new resort concept that aims […]


Related Posts beach town in martinique caribbean

This Beach Town Is a Laid-Back Getaway With a Famous Rock, Wild Waves, and French Caribbean Charm

Le Diamant is alive. It starts before you arrive — a winding drive through banana trees and old Creole homes, the Caribbean Sea shimmering just beyond the hills. Then it hits you: that moment when the town opens up and […]


Canadians Have a New Caribbean Island to Try: Tiny, Off-the-Radar San Andres in Colombia 

caribbean island san andres

Canadians will soon have a new way to escape to the Caribbean — and a new place to stay when they get there. For the Winter 2025-2026 season, Sunwing Vacations is launching direct flights from Quebec City to the island […]


This Caribbean Island Is Hosting the World’s Most Luxurious Rum Festival

st barth caribbean rum awards

The Caribbean’s most luxurious rum festival is back — and it’s happening on one of the region’s most exclusive islands. Think of it as a kind of Cannes for Caribbean rum: a full-fledged St Barth Rum Week. The Caribbean Rum […]