Property owners across Antigua and Barbuda are being urged to register their accommodations as preparations for the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) intensify and the booking period for senior delegates rapidly approaches.
Patrice Simon, Executive Director of the Antigua and Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association (ABHTA) and Co-Lead of the CHOGM Accommodations Sub-Committee, says securing lodging remains a central pillar of the national planning effort as the twin-island nation prepares to welcome thousands of visitors from across the Commonwealth.
"The task of the Accommodations Committee has always been, how do we begin to secure the rooms? We have our traditional hotel partners, typically those are the members of the ABHTA, and we have our short-term rentals, which we would normally refer to as our Airbnb rentals," Simon said during an appearance on The Road to CHOGM, broadcast on state media.
Organisers are using the approximately 5,000 delegates who attended the 2024 CHOGM in Samoa as a benchmark for capacity planning. The 2026 meeting is expected to draw heads of state and government, foreign ministers, diplomats and official delegation members, alongside participants in the Women's Forum, Youth Forum, People's Forum and Business Forum — each of which is projected to attract around 250 attendees.
Simon stressed that the accommodation strategy extends well beyond traditional hotels and resorts. Villas, guesthouses, apartments and short-term rental properties are all being actively encouraged to participate.
"This is not just about hotels. We need villas, guesthouses, apartments and short-term rentals because accommodating CHOGM will require a national effort," she said.
So far, approximately 70 property owners have registered, with nearly 50 of those being short-term rental operators. Officials believe a significant number of suitable properties remain unregistered.
"We want CHOGM to benefit communities across Antigua and Barbuda, not just traditional tourism hubs," Simon said.
The urgency to register is growing. July is expected to be a major booking period for heads of delegation and foreign ministers. Bookings for 37 of the 56 Commonwealth member countries are already being managed by the National Taskforce Accommodations Committee, and an additional 15 countries have conducted advance accommodation inspections.
Officials also highlighted the broader, long-term significance of successfully hosting the event, framing it as a strategic opportunity to strengthen Antigua and Barbuda's standing in the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Events (MICE) market.
"CHOGM is not only about hosting delegates for one week; it is an opportunity to position Antigua and Barbuda as a premier destination for major international conferences and events," Simon said.
To qualify, properties must register, undergo inspection and receive formal approval from the Ministry of Tourism's Quality Assurance Unit. Inspections evaluate cleanliness, housekeeping standards, fire safety, water quality, sanitation, security and overall guest experience. Only approved properties will appear on the official CHOGM accommodation portal, which delegates will use to secure their lodging.
