Nearly 500 international delegates have gathered in Antigua and Barbuda for the Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2026, one of the region’s largest tourism trade events.

The 44th edition of the annual event, organised by the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), runs from May 12 to 15 and is primarily being hosted at the American University of Antigua.

Delegates attending the event include representatives from hotels, destinations, airlines, tour operators, technology companies, governments, media organisations and international buyers.

The event opened on Tuesday with the Caribbean Travel Forum, where regional tourism leaders discussed the future of Caribbean tourism, including digital transformation, air connectivity, sustainability, business trends and economic growth.

On Tuesday evening, the visiting delegates and members of the media were treated to a cultural showcase featuring Bèlè dancers, storytellers and a musical performance from Soca artiste Menance at Cedar Valley Golf Course.

In his opening remarks, outgoing CHTA President Sanovnik Destang said the Caribbean tourism industry continues to face global uncertainty, including geopolitical tensions, wars, rising costs and changing travel patterns.

“But despite that, here we are. Still together. Still doing business. Still pushing forward. And still hosting nearly 6,000 appointments focused on the future of Caribbean tourism,” Destang said.

“That says something powerful about this region. It says that even in uncertain times, the Caribbean remains one of the most desirable, resilient, and opportunity-rich tourism regions in the world.”

Destang said the region must focus not only on resilience, but also on innovation and long-term competitiveness.

“We cannot only celebrate that we bounce back. We must also ask whether we are bouncing forward,” he said.

Antigua and Barbuda Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transport and Investment Henry Charles Fernandez said it was an honour to host regional tourism stakeholders for a second successive year.

Fernandez said the Caribbean tourism industry continues to demonstrate “extraordinary resilience, innovation, and determination” despite global economic challenges and changing travel dynamics.

“Caribbean tourism continues to strengthen thanks to the shared commitment to collaboration and excellence,” Fernandez said.

He also highlighted the role of the CHTA in driving regional tourism growth and welcomed Antigua and Barbuda’s selection once again as host of the event.

Fernandez encouraged delegates to experience the country’s culture, gastronomy and hospitality, describing the marketplace as both a business conference and a celebration of Caribbean identity.

The opening night featured live music, local cuisine and networking among tourism stakeholders from across the Caribbean and international markets.