BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – THE global tourism spotlight will shine on Antigua and Barbuda this May as the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) stages its annual Caribbean Travel Marketplace—one of the largest and most significant tourism events in the region.
Over the course of a week, approximately 1,200 to 1,500 stakeholders from across the local, regional, and international tourism industry are expected to descend on the island. Media from around the globe will also be present to showcase both Antigua and Barbuda’s offerings and the wider Caribbean tourism sector.
Charmaine Spencer, Director of Tourism for the Caribbean and Latin America at the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, recently visited St. Kitts and Nevis with colleagues to personally invite the travel trade to attend the 43rd edition of the Marketplace.
“In Antigua and Barbuda, we're trying to grow our meetings, incentives, conferences, events market, and our MICE market,” Spencer told SKNVibes Business. “We saw this opportunity to host CHTA as a big chance for us to demonstrate that we can handle events at this scale and standard. Last year we hosted SIDS, and now this year we’re hosting CHTA. We're expecting between 1,200 to 1,500 persons to come in for the event.”
Known for its 365 beaches, Antigua and Barbuda views this event as a prime opportunity to showcase its tourism products and services to a wide international audience. The Travel Marketplace acts as a gateway for stakeholders—including agents, hoteliers, and tour operators—to engage with the twin-island nation and its neighboring islands.
“So we're really looking forward to persons participating, and we're here to invite the travel trade here in St. Kitts and Nevis, just to give all the neighboring islands that opportunity,” Spencer added. “With the event being hosted in Antigua and Barbuda this year, the neighboring islands have no excuse not to come. We’re out there encouraging participation, promoting the event, and giving those who might not always have this kind of opportunity a chance to network with major players in the tourism space.”
Tourism officials have been visiting several countries across the region to promote the event, with the most recent stop being in the Federation. Spencer noted that the response so far has been overwhelmingly positive.
“I think definitely from our neighboring tourism boards, we're seeing strong support. A lot of them have told us they’ll be coming,” she said. “But we also want to invite the wider travel trade—tour operators, travel agents—because attending will help them grow their businesses.”
The event is expected to provide a boost in visitor arrivals during what is typically a slower tourism period. Spencer also emphasized the importance of media exposure, which will help highlight the variety of accommodations the island offers—from luxury properties like Jumby Bay, to intimate boutique hotels, and the well-known Sandals brand.
The impact of staging such a major event extends across the tourism-driven economy. “In May, during the CHTA Marketplace event, we will also be celebrating our Culinary Month, where visitors will be invited to experience our diverse food and culture,” she said. “We’ll be bringing in international chefs of Antiguan descent as part of the celebration.”
Among the culinary highlights will be renowned UK-based chef Andi Oliver, as well as Kareem Roberts—son of legendary West Indies cricketer Sir Andy Roberts—who will also showcase his culinary skills. “It’s going to be an exciting time for us to showcase our product,” Spencer added.
