Dear Members and Friends,

Last month, we made history in Antigua and Barbuda as the 43rd Caribbean Travel Marketplace came to life on their shores for the very first time. Beyond the stunning setting, what truly stood out was the spirit of the people—resilient, warm, and determined to showcase the very best of the Caribbean.

Over 780 delegates attended, including 165 buyers from 16 global markets and 173 suppliers from 23 destinations. We recorded more than 9,300 business appointments—and many of those are already translating into real results: bookings, partnerships, and opportunities that will create jobs, support local businesses, and grow our economies.

This year’s Marketplace felt different in all the right ways. The open-concept layout made room for genuine, productive conversations—conversations that went beyond sales to build trust and shared vision. We also introduced two important firsts: the Direct Booking Summit and the Linkages Showcase, both designed to deepen our impact and strengthen connections across the tourism value chain. We also hosted our second Responsible Tourism Day, continuing the important dialogue around sustainability, equity, and community-based tourism.

That the event happened at all is a testament to the resilience of our hosts. Just days before our arrival, Antigua and Barbuda experienced serious flooding. But thanks to the tireless efforts of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, the Antigua and Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association, and the Ministry of Tourism, the show not only went on—it exceeded expectations.

In solidarity, CHTA launched the Caribbean Disaster Response Fund with an initial contribution of $10,000, to support affected communities not only in Antigua and Barbuda, but across the region when crises hit.

As I said during Marketplace, the Caribbean’s real strength isn’t just in our landscapes—it’s in our people. Our frontline teams, small business owners, creatives, and changemakers are the heartbeat of this industry. We left Antigua with more than new deals—we left with renewed energy and a shared commitment to building a more resilient and more united Caribbean.

Thank you for your continued confidence in CHTA. Together, we are shaping the future of Caribbean tourism.

Warmly,

Sanovnik Destang
President, Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association