Antigua and Barbuda will once again take centre stage in Caribbean tourism, hosting the 44th annual Caribbean Hotels and Tourism Association (CHTA) Caribbean Travel Marketplace from May 12–15, 2026. The event, which draws approximately 500 tourism industry partners from around the world, will be held at the American University of Antigua conference venue.
This marks the second consecutive year Antigua and Barbuda has secured the hosting rights — a distinction that underscores the twin-island nation's growing stature in the regional tourism landscape and its expanding profile within the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) market.
Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation and Investment Hon. Charles Fernandez welcomed the return of the event. "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," he said. "It further strengthens our position as a leading destination for conferences and major tourism events."
Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA) CEO Colin C. James highlighted the strategic value of the gathering. "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."
Caribbean Travel Marketplace serves as the premier business-to-business forum for CHTA, bringing together major suppliers of tourism-related services and prospective buyers to negotiate new opportunities for increasing travel across the region.
CHTA President Sanovnik Destang expressed enthusiasm for the return to Antigua and Barbuda. "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," he said. "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 coordinating efforts across multiple sectors to replicate last year's successful edition. 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) are leading that charge.
Beyond the core business sessions, the 2026 Marketplace programme includes several notable additions. Responsible Tourism Day, scheduled for Thursday, May 14, will give delegates an up-close look at sustainable tourism and environmental conservation initiatives taking place across Antigua and Barbuda.
The Direct Booking Summit also returns on May 15, convening senior industry leaders to share insights on emerging trends and the innovations driving growth in the tourism sector — both locally and across the Caribbean.
The event is drawing significant media interest from across Antigua and Barbuda's key source markets, further amplifying the destination's visibility to a global audience. The timing also aligns with Antigua and Barbuda's annual Culinary Month, giving delegates the chance to experience the country's vibrant food culture alongside their business engagements.
Further information and registration details are available through the CHTA Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2026 event page.
