Antigua and Barbuda shined as host of the Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2025

In an interview with Travel2latam, Colin James, CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, highlighted the positive impact of hosting the Caribbean Travel Marketplace for the first time in the event's history. 

How does it feel to host such an important event as the Caribbean Travel Marketplace, with the presence of tourism professionals and colleagues from across the region?

I'm thrilled and very pleased that Antigua and Barbuda was able to hold this edition of the event. This is the 43rd edition of the Caribbean Travel Marketplace and the first time it's been held in our country. This fills us with pride. 

More than 9,000 meetings and business appointments were scheduled, reflecting the high energy and dynamism present at the event. There are many B2B connections, relationship building, and a great opportunity for our tourism industry, and that of the Caribbean in general, to make a strong impact. 

We rely on key buyers, media outlets like you, and people who help us tell our story. This Marketplace allows Antigua and Barbuda's tourism product to take center stage and showcase the best we have to offer, especially for emerging markets like Latin America.

What legacy do you think this event will leave for Antigua and Barbuda?

I think we've definitely entered the big leagues. Previously, it was thought that only larger territories like the Bahamas or Jamaica could host conferences of this caliber. But now, with our excellent infrastructure, a modern convention center, quality hotel offerings, and an airport with international connections to major global hubs, we can transport visitors efficiently and easily.

We have the capacity to host MICE events, and we're going all out in that direction. This event leaves a legacy of consolidating Antigua and Barbuda as a major player in that market, something key to boosting the industry during the summer off-season. This is great news for our hoteliers and partners, many of whom are present with us and are having a very productive participation.

What opportunities are opening up for your local tourism partners after this Marketplace?

The opportunities are enormous. In previous editions of the event, when it was held in places like the Bahamas, we had to travel to Miami, which entailed high costs. This limited the participation of our hoteliers: usually only seven or eight attended. But in this edition, as hosts, we were able to bring together 22 hotel partners, many of whom for the first time had the opportunity to interact face-to-face with key market players, such as tour operators and key players in the distribution business.

This has had a very positive impact and will surely motivate them to participate in future editions of the event, in addition to positioning their businesses at the forefront of potential commercial opportunities.

How would you describe the current situation of the tourism industry in Antigua and Barbuda?

Our tourism industry is experiencing tremendous growth. At the end of March, we were already recording a 7% increase in air arrivals compared to the same period last year, surpassing 100,000 arrivals. That's significant, considering that 2023 was our record year, with more than 330,000 air arrivals, 850,000 cruise arrivals, and more than 1.2 million total visitors. This year, we expect to surpass those numbers. 

We're showcasing new tourism products like the Moon Gate Resort, with 71 luxury suites in Half Moon Bay, and also technological innovations like ArriveAntigua.com, our new paperless entry system, one of the most advanced in the Caribbean. 

Added to all this, what stands out most is the hospitality of our people. Antigua and Barbuda is open to visitors, and we especially invite our friends in Latin America to come and experience an unforgettable experience they'll cherish for a lifetime.