The 43rd edition of the Caribbean Travel Marketplace, hosted by the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), concluded in Antigua and Barbuda.
According to CHTA, close to 800 delegates, 173 suppliers from 25 Caribbean destinations, and 83 buyer companies from 16 international markets — including Canada, the United States, Argentina, Italy, Germany, the UK, and the UAE were in attendance.
More than 9,300 appointments were scheduled between buyers and sellers.
Sanovnik Destang, Executive Director of Bay Gardens Resorts and President of CHTA, outlined this year's sweeping vision during a CHTA press conference: “innovation, sustainability, and collaboration.”
Data and Trends
Opening the Caribbean Travel Forum, Olivier Ponti of ForwardKeys launched the Caribbean Travel Trends report, noting that travel to the region continues to grow.
Olivier Ponti of ForwardKeys launched the Caribbean Travel Trends report (Photo Credit: CHTA)
Large destinations are capturing a greater market share, creating more competition among Caribbean nations and sparking conversations about increased regional travel.
Canada, Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, and Spain emerged as promising source markets beyond the U.S.
Digital nomads, families, and high-end travellers remain priority segments, while events like cricket tournaments and large concerts are becoming new draws.
Carl Gordon of Mastercard presented data showing that Caribbean visitors are staying longer and spending more, with a growing interest in wellness, nature, gastronomy, and culture.
Carl Gordon of Mastercard presented data showing that Caribbean visitors are staying longer (Photo Credit: CHTA)
These trends position the region well for future tourism, especially among Canadians and Americans looking for experiential travel.
Zeek Coleman of Tourism Economics highlighted macroeconomic uncertainty, noting that although U.S. consumer travel intent remains strong, economic volatility could change travel behaviour quickly.
Pressing Issues: Airlift, Costs, and Regulation
James Hepple of Tourism Analytics shared findings from a regional survey of National Hotel and Tourism Associations (NHTAs), pinpointing airlift, workforce development, and rising operational costs as top concerns.
The future regulation of short-term rentals and cruise ship taxation also surfaced as major policy priorities.
CHTA President Sanovnik Destang led a panel on intra-Caribbean airlift, calling it a "strategic necessity."
CHTA President Sanovnik Destang led a panel on intra-Caribbean airlift (Photo Credit: TravelPulse Canada/Natasha Lair-McKenty)
Panelists proposed a single regional airspace, lower aviation taxes, more efficient route planning, and visa reform to foster smoother regional travel.
Destang also acknowledged a notable rise in Canadian travel interest — and a gap in airlift capacity.
“Our data partner showed clearly that there is a tremendous increase in interest based on travel searches and travel intent for Canadians coming to the Caribbean,” he said.
Antigua and Barbuda: Hosting with Impact
Colin James, CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, told TravelPulse Canada that this year's Marketplace was "phenomenal."
"We wanted the media and our travel partners to experience firsthand what we offer: our culture, our beaches, our Carnival, our food. And we’re making it easier than ever for Canadians to get here.”
Colin C. James – CEO of the ABTA speaks at CHTA press conference (Photo Credit: TravelPulse Canada/Natasha Lair-McKenty)
"You can get up at 4:30 a.m. in Toronto and be on an Antiguan beach by 2:30 p.m. It’s safe, easy, and unforgettable," James said.
James confirmed new airlift discussions and praised the upcoming Moon Gate resort on Half Moon Bay, calling it one of the top ten beaches in the world.
He also highlighted Antigua and Barbuda’s leadership in sustainability, from banning plastic bags and styrofoam to pioneering coral reef restoration and digital immigration systems.
Environmental Leadership
Tourism Minister Charles Fernandez hosted a sustainability session with local and international experts. Barbuda’s Redonda restoration project and coral reef rehabilitation efforts were lauded as regional benchmarks.
Tourism Minister Charles Fernandez (Photo Credit: CHTA)
Nicola Madden-Greig emphasized the need to link tourism with agriculture, manufacturing, and entertainment.
Case studies from Jamaica and Eastern Caribbean resorts showed successful models of cross-sector collaboration, highlighting tourism’s role as a catalyst for broader economic development.
Looking Ahead
CHTA President Sanovnik Destang summed up the three-day event by reinforcing a shared vision: “Whether it is festival and sports tourism, culinary and cultural travel, or tapping into growth markets like Latin America and Canada, we are focused on where the potential lies."
He added, "We are also advancing intra-Caribbean travel solutions, strengthening tourism linkages to support local entrepreneurship, especially among youth, and scaling regenerative tourism efforts that benefit both our communities and our environment.
"Together, these actions reflect our commitment to turning ideas into meaningful impact across the Caribbean.”
The host destination for Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2026 is yet to be announced.
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