ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA SET TO HOST TWO MAJOR GLOBAL EVENTS IN 2026
Tuesday 4th November 2025
The Antigua & Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association (ABHTA) is a proud partner of both milestone events and looks forward to working closely with our hospitality partners to ensure their resounding success and to showcase the very best of our twin-island nation.
The Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association (CHTA) today announced that Antigua and Barbuda will host the 44th edition of Caribbean Travel Marketplace (CTM), taking place May 12–15, 2026. This marks a continuation of the successful partnership established during the 2025 event and reaffirms CHTA’s confidence in Antigua and Barbuda’s vision, leadership and commitment to the advancement of Caribbean tourism.
CTM is the region’s largest tourism forum, connecting regional suppliers with global buyers to drive business, strengthen partnerships, and showcase the innovation and resilience of the region’s visitor economy.
“As we look ahead to Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2026, we are proud to continue our collaboration with Antigua and Barbuda and build on the momentum of this year’s event,” said CHTA President Sanovnik Destang. “Marketplace continues to play a pivotal role in amplifying the Caribbean’s collective voice globally, showcasing our shared strengths, opening doors to new opportunities, and reflecting the resilience and innovation that define our region. Antigua and Barbuda’s commitment to excellence and regional partnership makes it a fitting host destination once again.”
Returning to Antigua and Barbuda reflects the destination’s proven capability to deliver world-class conferences. Recently named the “Caribbean’s Best Meetings and Conference Destination” by the World Travel Awards, the dual-island nation has demonstrated this strength by hosting major events including Marketplace 2025, the OAS Conference, and preparations for the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. These accomplishments underscore Antigua and Barbuda’s growing stature in the global meetings and incentives arena and its continued investment in hospitality infrastructure and service excellence.
“We are very proud to once again host the CHTA’s Caribbean Travel Marketplace here in Antigua and Barbuda,” said Colin C. James, CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority. “Bringing together the Caribbean’s tourism leaders, suppliers and international buyers to conduct business underscores our ongoing commitment to the growth of Caribbean tourism. With our strong infrastructure and modern facilities, we are ready to host Marketplace and also showcase the vibrant culture and warm hospitality that Antigua and Barbuda is known for.”
Marketplace 2026 will introduce enhancements, including but not limited to expanded accommodation options and venue optimization. These refinements underscore CHTA’s and Antigua and Barbuda’s shared commitment to delivering an exceptional and seamless experience for delegates and buyers.
Regional and international air connectivity will remain a strategic focus for Marketplace, with continued collaboration among government partners, aviation stakeholders, and tourism officials to maintain and expand affordability and access across the Caribbean and key international gateways.
Strength in Unity
In recognizing the strength of regional unity, CHTA extends solidarity to Jamaica as it continues its recovery efforts. The association reaffirms its commitment to all member destinations, underscoring that the Caribbean’s greatest strength lies in its shared purpose and support for one another. As part of this commitment, CHTA has activated its Disaster Response Fund to support recovery efforts for destinations impacted by Hurricane Melissa.
“Marketplace has always been about bringing the Caribbean together,” said CHTA CEO Vanessa Ledesma. “As our region continues to navigate growth and recovery, this event remains vital in strengthening our partnerships, supporting business development and advancing tourism across the Caribbean.”
Registration details, buyer programs and travel information for Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2026 will be released in the coming months.
The Commonwealth Secretariat and the Government of Antigua and Barbuda successfully launched the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2026 during a ceremony held at the Lord Nelson’s Ballroom, Sandals Grande Resort. The event was jointly officiated by Prime Minister the Hon. Gaston Browne and Commonwealth Secretary-General the Rt. Hon. Shirley Botchwey, alongside Her Excellency Karen-Mae Hill, CHOGM 2026 National Focal Point. It was attended by Their Excellencies Sir Rodney Williams, Governor General of Antigua and Barbuda and Lady Williams; senior government officials; diplomats; and members of the CHOGM 2026 Task Force. In keeping with the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusivity, the launch also brought together representatives of the differently abled community, the Rastafarian community, CARICOM youth ambassadors, secondary school students from across Antigua, non-governmental organisations, and the private sector. Their presence reflected the message that the Commonwealth is for the benefit of all people, ensuring that every voice — particularly that of youth and community groups — is part of the journey toward a more equitable and prosperous future.
During the launch, the Government of Antigua and Barbuda and the Commonwealth Secretariat officially announced that the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2026 will be held from 1–4 November 2026 in St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda, under the theme“Accelerating Partnerships and Investment for a Prosperous Commonwealth.” The ceremony also featured the unveiling of the official CHOGM 2026 logo and cultural performances showcasing Antigua and Barbuda’s vibrant heritage.
Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey said the theme captures the Commonwealth’s modern mission to turn ambition into action: “This theme captures the spirit of partnership and enterprise that defines the modern Commonwealth. Together, we are building bridges of opportunity between governments and business, between people and ideas, to deliver tangible results for our citizens. As we look to CHOGM 2026, hosted with warmth and pride by Antigua and Barbuda, our focus is clear: to accelerate progress and prosperity through shared investment, innovation and inclusion.”
During the event, it was also announced that cricketing legend Sir Vivian Richards has accepted the role of CHOGM 2026 Envoy, supporting efforts to raise awareness and engagement across Antigua and Barbuda and the wider Commonwealth. Speaking at the launch, Sir Vivian Richards said, “To have the entire Commonwealth family gather here in Antigua and Barbuda in 2026 will make it more than a meeting. It will be a statement and a moment of immense pride for the hospitable people of our small islands. We look forward to showcasing that the same spirit which drove us to success on the cricket pitch still runs strong in our people, our culture, and the future we want to collectively build with 56 Commonwealth countries. We are ready to welcome the Commonwealth and its leaders — with passion and purpose.”
During the proceedings, the winner of the CHOGM 2026 Logo Competition, Ms Chaneil C. Imhoff, was officially recognised for her design. Ms. Imhoff explained that the logo draws inspiration from Antigua and Barbuda’s national identity and the shared values of the Commonwealth. At its heart is an abstract frigate bird, symbolising freedom, strength, and forward movement — a reflection of the nation’s role as a connector and host for meaningful global dialogue. The vibrant colours, taken from the national flag and the Commonwealth palette, represent unity, renewal, and collaboration as Antigua and Barbuda welcomes the world to CHOGM 2026.
The programme was hosted by Ms Jamila Kirwan, and the event featured performances by the Hellsgate Steel Orchestra, the Antigua Dance Academy, and the UWI Five Islands Campus Singers, whose presentations reflected the nation’s culture and unity. Highlights of the programme included an invocation by Dr Wayne Knowles, remarks by His Excellency Dr Clarence Pilgrim, and a video presentation titled “From Apia, Samoa to St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda.”
The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Ms Ann-Marie Layne, Director General in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Barbuda Affairs. The ceremony signalled Antigua and Barbuda’s readiness to host leaders from across the Commonwealth for a summit that will shape policy dialogue, strengthen partnerships, and advance the shared vision of a more sustainable and resilient future.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Barbuda Affairs, the Hon. E.P. Chet Greene commented: “Today’s launch represents the culmination of extensive collaboration between the Government of Antigua and Barbuda and the Commonwealth Secretariat. We are proud to take this step forward and to reaffirm our commitment to the principles and values that bind our Commonwealth family together.”
