As the Caribbean prepares for a busy spring and summer tourism calendar, Colin James, Chief Executive Officer of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, says the destination is in advanced stages of readiness to host and capitalize on back-to-back editions of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association’s (CHTA) Caribbean Travel Marketplace, May 12-15, at the American University of Antigua.

Speaking with the Caribbean Tourism Authority, James emphasized the coordinated national effort behind the preparations, noting that public and private sector teams have been working closely to deliver a seamless and impactful experience. Planning spans all aspects of the event, from the structure of the business-to-business meetings to curated opening and closing events designed to showcase the destination. Beyond facilitating commercial exchanges between buyers and suppliers, the strategy includes immersing visiting media, tour operators and MICE planners in the Antigua and Barbuda experience to strengthen their ability to promote the destination globally.

The approach reflects a broader philosophy that has underpinned the destination’s recent success. James pointed to strong collaboration across stakeholders as a key driver and described the synergy between the public and private sectors as being “on steroids”.

That momentum is evident in performance data, with Antigua and Barbuda recording its highest-ever January air arrivals this year, alongside continued growth across the cruise and yachting sectors.

The destination is also leveraging its events calendar to sustain interest and drive economic impact. New and established marquee events — including the Antigua Racing Cup and the internationally recognized and recently concluded Antigua Sailing Week — are reinforcing the strength of its nautical tourism offering. By optimizing core pillars such as airlift, cruise and yachting, Antigua and Barbuda is positioning itself to maximize the opportunities presented by Marketplace while sustaining growth across multiple visitor segments.

CHTA’s Caribbean Travel Forum will take place on May 12 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Sandals Grande Antigua, immediately preceding the opening of the Caribbean Travel Marketplace.

Now in its 44th year, Marketplace connects suppliers with global distribution partners. Over two days of pre-scheduled meetings, suppliers engage directly with wholesalers, tour operators and travel advisors. Also returning to Marketplace this year is the Direct Booking Summit, scheduled for May 15. This event, also being held at Sandals, will explore the latest digital marketing strategies, AI-driven solutions and technology trends aimed at maximizing direct online bookings and enhancing the region’s digital competitiveness.