The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) has officially opened registration for the 43rd annual Caribbean Travel Marketplace (CTM), set to take place in Antigua and Barbuda from May 18-22, 2025. This marks a historic first for the twin-island nation as it hosts the region’s leading business-to-business tourism event, bringing together global buyers and regional suppliers to strengthen partnerships and expand the Caribbean’s presence on the world stage.
Antigua and Barbuda’s Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation, and Investment, The Honourable Charles Fernandez, expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity to showcase the islands’ charm and hospitality. “This is an exciting time for us as we prepare to welcome our valued tourism partners from around the world to Antigua and Barbuda. 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,” said Fernandez. “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 experience.”
CHTA CEO Vanessa Ledesma echoed these sentiments, highlighting the event’s significance for the region’s tourism industry. “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 sector,” said Ledesma. “As we bring Marketplace to Antigua and Barbuda for the very first time, we are excited to create new opportunities for our members, strengthen global partnerships, and 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.”
CTM 2025 will feature an expanded agenda designed to address key industry challenges and opportunities while fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing. Some of the major highlights include:
Responsible Tourism Day (May 18) – A dedicated day focusing on sustainable tourism initiatives, community engagement, and best practices for preserving the region’s environmental and cultural heritage.
Caribbean Travel Forum (May 19) – A high-level gathering of public and private sector leaders to discuss innovation, investment, workforce development, and other critical tourism issues. This forum will also feature an awards ceremony honoring outstanding achievements in the industry.
Direct Booking Summit, Caribbean Edition (May 22) – A brand-new addition to the program, this summit will explore the latest digital marketing strategies, AI-driven solutions, and emerging technology trends aimed at maximizing direct online bookings and strengthening the region’s digital competitiveness.
CTM 2025 will also continue its hallmark one-on-one buyer-seller meetings, offering a platform for participants to establish new partnerships and expand their reach in key global markets.
The American University of Antigua (AUA) has been selected as the main venue for the event, providing a state-of-the-art conference facility that recently hosted the United Nations’ 4th International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS). With Antigua and Barbuda’s excellent air connectivity and renowned hospitality, attendees can expect a seamless and enriching experience both in and out of the conference setting.
