Antigua hosts Caribbean Tourism Marketplace and culinary month

Strengthening the image of Antigua and Barbuda

Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation and Investment Minister 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.”

Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority CEO Colin C. James highlighted the importance of the event for the destination at a key moment for global travel.

“Caribbean Travel Marketplace places Antigua and Barbuda at the center 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 create opportunities that will drive visitor growth,” James said.

Caribbean Travel Marketplace is CHTA’s premier business-to-business event, bringing together major suppliers of tourism services and international buyers to negotiate new business and strengthen Caribbean travel demand.

As host destination, Antigua and Barbuda is working closely with tourism stakeholders across the public and private sectors to recreate the success of last year’s event. Key partners include 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).

Alongside business meetings, the program will include Responsible Tourism Day on May 14, giving delegates the chance to experience local sustainability projects and environmental conservation initiatives across Antigua and Barbuda.

The Direct Booking Summit also returns on May 15, bringing together industry leaders to discuss emerging travel trends and innovations shaping tourism growth across the Caribbean.

The event is also drawing strong international media attendance from Antigua and Barbuda’s key source markets, further boosting the destination’s global visibility.

Coordination with the annual Culinary Month

Caribbean Travel Marketplace will coincide with Antigua and Barbuda’s annual Culinary Month, giving delegates the chance to experience the islands’ thriving food scene while attending the event. The destination was named the 2025 winner of the Caribbean’s Best Emerging Culinary City Destination title by the World Culinary Awards, highlighting its growing profile as a regional culinary hotspot.

Colin C. James added: “Culinary Month gives food lovers from around the world a unique opportunity to experience our cuisine, culture and people. Its timing with Caribbean Travel Marketplace allows our industry partners to connect with the destination in a truly authentic way.”

Each delegate will receive an Antigua and Barbuda Culinary Month Passport during their stay, offering exclusive benefits at participating restaurants.

Visitors will also be able to enjoy Eat Like A Local, a curated collection of island cookshops led by Antiguan and Barbudan chefs, as well as Restaurant Week from May 3–17, featuring more than 50 restaurants offering special fixed-price menus.