One of the most influential gatherings for the Caribbean tourism ecosystem is set to kick off for the second straight year in Antigua and Barbuda, with the Caribbean Travel Marketplace reaffirming its standing as the region’s premier travel industry event. Organized by the Caribbean Hotels and Tourism Association (CHTA) in partnership with the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, the 2026 gathering will welcome more than 500 tourism suppliers and international travel buyers at the American University of Antigua’s purpose-built conference center. Across the four-day event, attendees will engage with a multi-faceted program that merges targeted business matchmaking, professional networking opportunities, and industry-leading professional development training.
As a key strategic hub for cross-sector collaboration, the marketplace is designed to strengthen existing business partnerships and foster new connections that drive sustainable tourism growth across the entire Caribbean region. Pre-scheduled one-on-one meetings between buyers and suppliers form the core of the event’s business agenda, while a series of complementary side sessions and special events dive into the most pressing shifts and trends reshaping global travel.
Two flagship special events stand out in this year’s programming. On May 14, the event will host its annual Responsible Tourism Day, a dedicated space where industry professionals can explore cutting-edge initiatives in sustainable tourism development, marine and land environmental conservation, and community-centered travel. The following day, May 15, will see the return of the Direct Booking Summit, which brings together C-level industry leaders to dissect emerging innovations, data-driven digital marketing strategies, and evolving consumer trends that are redefining how travel brands connect directly with customers.
A strong contingent of international travel media will also be on the ground at the 2026 marketplace, expanding the event’s global footprint and amplifying Caribbean tourism messaging to the world’s top source travel markets. Adding a unique cultural layer to the professional gathering, this year’s Caribbean Travel Marketplace coincides with Antigua and Barbuda’s annual Gastronomic Month. This alignment gives attendees the chance to complement their business schedules with immersive culinary experiences, sampling local cuisine and engaging with the destination’s rich cultural heritage outside of formal meeting sessions.
By combining targeted business development, accessible industry education, and cross-border professional exchange under one banner, the Caribbean Travel Marketplace continues to solidify its role as an indispensable catalyst for advancing the Caribbean tourism sector, supporting small and large businesses across the region to tap into growing global travel demand.