The dual-island Caribbean nation of Antigua and Barbuda has announced that it will play host to the 44th edition of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association’s (CHTA) Caribbean Travel Marketplace, one of the region’s most influential tourism industry gatherings, from May 12 to 15, 2026. What makes this announcement particularly notable is the event’s intentional alignment with the country’s popular annual Culinary Month, a weeks-long celebration that puts the destination’s fast-growing food culture front and center for visitors and industry stakeholders alike.
This strategic pairing of the major industry trade show and the culinary festival creates a one-of-a-kind experience for the hundreds of regional and international travel buyers and suppliers expected to attend the 2026 Marketplace. Attendees will not only be able to conduct core business networking, negotiate partnerships, and explore new tourism product offerings, but also get a first-hand immersive deep dive into Antigua and Barbuda’s vibrant, rapidly evolving local food scene.
The nation’s rising profile as a culinary tourism hub has already earned it international recognition: just last year, Antigua and Barbuda took home the 2025 title of “Caribbean’s Best Emerging Culinary City Destination” from the World Culinary Awards. This accolade cements the country’s growing reputation as a go-to spot for food-focused travelers across the region and beyond, adding extra weight to the decision to co-locate the 2026 Marketplace with Culinary Month.
Colin C. James, CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, emphasized the unique value that this combined event will deliver. “Culinary Month gives food lovers from across the globe an unparalleled chance to experience our distinct cuisine, our rich cultural heritage, and the warmth of our people firsthand,” James explained. “By aligning the Caribbean Travel Marketplace with our festival, we’re giving our industry partners the opportunity to connect with our destination in a truly authentic, memorable way that goes far beyond a typical trade show setting.”
To integrate the culinary celebration seamlessly into the Marketplace schedule, event organizers have planned a full slate of special food-focused experiences open to attending delegates. Running from May 3 to 17, overlapping both the lead-up to and duration of the 2026 Marketplace, the destination’s annual Restaurant Week will offer island-wide prix-fixe menus at more than 50 participating local restaurants. Menus will be available at three accessible price points: $25, $50, and $75 U.S. dollars, giving delegates options to fit every schedule and budget. A curated series of small, local cookshop demonstrations led entirely by native Antiguan and Barbudan chefs will also be on offer, highlighting traditional cooking techniques and local ingredients.
For delegates looking for a structured evening food experience, the Culinary Crawl, a dine-around tour showcasing the thriving restaurant scene along Antigua and Barbuda’s scenic south coast, will be open for booking on May 14, right in the middle of the Marketplace. Delegates are actively encouraged to build these culinary experiences into their official event itineraries to get the most out of their visit. Updated information on participating restaurants, special event details, and booking instructions for Culinary Month activities will be published regularly on the official Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority website as the 2026 event approaches.