ST. JOHN’S, Antigua and Barbuda, (April 23rd, 2026) – Antigua and Barbuda is ready to welcome five hundred tourism industry partners from across the globe for the 44th annual Caribbean Hotels and Tourism Association (CHTA) Caribbean Travel Marketplace, scheduled to take place at the American University of Antigua conference venue from May 12 – 15, 2026.
This is the second consecutive year Antigua and Barbuda will host the event, underscoring the destination’s leadership in the tourism landscape in the Caribbean and its growing positioning within the Meetings Incentives Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) market.
Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation and Investment, The Honourable. Charles Fernandez, said, “The return of Caribbean Travel Marketplace to Antigua and Barbuda reflects the confidence that CHTA has in our ability to deliver at the highest level. It further strengthens our position as a leading destination for conferences and major tourism events.”
The timeliness of the event is not lost on the CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, Colin C. James, who underscored the strategic significance of the major international gathering for Antigua and Barbuda.
“Caribbean Travel Marketplace places Antigua and Barbuda at the centre of regional tourism business at a pivotal time for global travel. With the industry’s key players in our destination, we are well positioned to showcase the strength of our product, deepen key partnerships, and nurture opportunities that will drive growth in visitor arrivals”, noted the ABTA CEO.
Caribbean Travel Marketplace is the premier business to business forum for the Caribbean Hotels and Tourism Association. It is typically used to bring together major suppliers of tourism related services and potential buyers to negotiate new opportunities for increasing travel to the Caribbean.
“It is an honour to once again bring Caribbean Travel Marketplace to Antigua and Barbuda, a destination that truly embodies the spirit of regional collaboration,” said CHTA President Sanovnik Destang. “Marketplace is ultimately about results, creating real opportunities for participants to grow business, forge lasting partnerships, and build the foundation for sustained travel across the Caribbean.”
As host country, Antigua and Barbuda is leading a coordinated effort with key players across all sectors to recreate last year’s exceptional Marketplace experience. At the heart of this initiative are the Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation and Investment, the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, and the Antigua and Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association (ABHTA).
In addition to the business sessions, CTM will also feature Responsible Tourism Day, to be held on Thursday May 14, where conference participants will be afforded the opportunity to witness up close initiatives that support sustainable tourism and environmental conservation activities in Antigua and Barbuda.
Also returning to Marketplace this year is the Direct Booking Summit, scheduled for May 15. It will bring together major industry leaders to share their insights on emerging trends and the cutting-edge innovation driving industry growth with key players in the tourism sector in Antigua and Barbuda and across the Caribbean.
Caribbean Travel Marketplace is attracting a strong media presence from across all of Antigua and Barbuda’s source markets, further amplifying the destination’s visibility before a global audience.
The event also coincides with Antigua and Barbuda’s annual Culinary Month, offering delegates an opportunity to experience the destination’s vibrant food culture alongside doing business.
For more information on the event and to register go to: Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2026 – CHTA Event Home
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ABOUT ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA
Antigua (pronounced An-tee’ga) and Barbuda (Bar-byew’da) is located in the heart of the Caribbean Sea. The twin-island paradise offers visitors two uniquely distinct experiences, ideal temperatures year-round, a rich history, vibrant culture, exhilarating excursions, award-winning resorts, mouth-watering cuisine and 365 stunning pink and white-sand beaches – one for every day of the year. The largest of the English-speaking Leeward Islands, Antigua comprises 108-square miles with rich history and spectacular topography that provides a variety of popular sightseeing opportunities. Nelson’s Dockyard, the only remaining example of a Georgian fort a listed UNESCO World Heritage site, is perhaps the most renowned landmark. Antigua’s tourism events calendar includes the Antigua and Barbuda Wellness Month, Run in Paradise, prestigious Antigua Sailing Week, Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta, Antigua and Barbuda Restaurant Week, Antigua and Barbuda Art Week and the annual Antigua Carnival; known as the Caribbean’s Greatest Summer Festival. Barbuda, Antigua’s smaller sister island, is the ultimate celebrity hideaway. The island lies 27 miles north-east of Antigua and is just a 15-minute plane ride away. Barbuda is known for its untouched 11-mile stretch of pink sand beach and as the home of the largest Frigate Bird Sanctuary in the Western Hemisphere.
Find information on Antigua & Barbuda at: www.visitantiguabarbuda.com
For Antigua and Barbuda media enquiries, please contact:
Maria Blackman
Marketing Communications Manager
Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority
T: 1 (268) 562 7600/464-7601
E: maria.blackman@visitaandb.com
Kayla Christian
Marketing Communications Officer
Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority
T:1(268) 562 7600 / 464-7665
E: kayla.christian@visitaandb.com
