Last week’s Caribbean Travel Marketplace (CTM), hosted by the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) in collaboration with the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, gathered more than 500 delegates from across the Caribbean, North America, Europe and Latin America to strengthen the future of Caribbean tourism. Recommend was on hand at the annual event, which was held at the American University of Antigua for the second year in a row.
Attendees of the CTM included hotel executives, destination representatives, tour operators, travel advisors and international and local journalists, all focused on reconnecting, building new business and advancing strategies for sustainable growth.
Showcasing the Caribbean
The Marketplace opened May 12 with the Caribbean Travel Forum at Sandals Grande Antigua Resort & Spa. Industry leaders discussed investment opportunities, air connectivity and the evolving role of sustainability in the region’s growth strategy. That same afternoon, CHTA’s Board of Directors convened ahead of Responsible Tourism Day, a new initiative spotlighting community engagement and environmental stewardship.
The Marketplace agenda included business sessions alongside the Linkages Showcase, which highlighted locally made products, small manufacturers and creative entrepreneurs supporting the tourism value chain. Press conferences were held for two days, during which tourism officials offered updates on destination developments and new hotel openings across the region.
In the evenings, attendees celebrated and connected in true Caribbean style. The Glow on the Greens opening celebration—where everyone wore their best orange attire—and the Flagz Closing Party—where they dressed in the colors of their homeland—gave everyone a chance to enjoy local treats and dance to local beats. Both were held at Cedar Valley Golf Course. During the closing party, outgoing CHTA President Sanovik Destang announced that the 45th edition of the Marketplace would once again be held in Barbados.
On May 15, select participants attended the Direct Booking Summit, Caribbean Edition, at Sandals Grande Antigua. The summit focused on revenue optimization, distribution and how technology can enhance traveler relationships in a competitive global marketplace.
For more information, visit chtamarketplace.com.
