General Information
Where will Marketplace 2025 be held?
All business activities and appointments will take place at the American University of Antigua (AUA) unless otherwise noted. The Opening Celebration will be held at the Weatherills Estate, and the Closing Event will be held at Weatherills Estate.
What are the event dates?
- May 18, 2025: Responsible Tourism Day (RTD)
- May 19, 2025: Caribbean Travel Forum (CTF) at Royalton Antigua (Separate Registration Required)
- May 19, 2025: Opening Celebration
- May 20-21, 2025: Marketplace Business Appointments
- May 21, 2025: Closing Event
- May 22, 2025: Direct Booking Summit – Caribbean Edition (DBSC) at Sandals Grande Antigua (Separate Registration Required)
Who organizes the Caribbean Travel Marketplace?
The event is organized by the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) in collaboration with the host destination, Antigua & Barbuda – Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, Antigua and Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association and the Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation and Investment.
What is the expected attendee profile for Marketplace?
We anticipate a diverse mix of buyers, suppliers, and industry leaders from over 25 Caribbean destinations and 20 source markets. This diverse representation makes CTM the premier event for Caribbean tourism business development.
Is Caribbean Travel Marketplace open to the public?
No, Caribbean Travel Marketplace is a B2B event and is only open to companies that qualify under the approved registration categories (Suppliers, Buyers, Marketing & Technology). Public attendance is not permitted.
2024 Registration Highlights:
Buyers: 136 companies, 246 delegates
- Participating countries included Canada, the United States, and Puerto Rico from North America; Barbados and Jamaica from the Caribbean; and Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Panama, Peru, and Paraguay from Latin America. European participation was strong, with buyers from the Czech Republic, Estonia, Germany, Italy, Latvia, Poland, Romania, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. Additionally, buyers from the United Arab Emirates in the Middle East and India and Australia from the Asia-Pacific region contributed to the event’s international reach.
- Specialized buyers include MICE, wedding specialists, and travel advisors
Suppliers: 206 companies, 553 delegates
- Representing 27 Caribbean destinations
- Includes hotels, attractions, airlines, DMCs, tourism boards, travel technology providers
Total Attendees in 2024: 1,196 delegates
Total Pre-Scheduled Appointments: 12,724 (second highest since 2007)
Are there speaking opportunities at Caribbean Travel Marketplace?
As a B2B event, Caribbean Travel Marketplace is focused on pre-scheduled business appointments and does not include educational sessions. However, the Caribbean Travel Forum (CTF), which focuses on the business of tourism, offers limited speaking opportunities, primarily for event sponsors. If you are interested in speaking opportunities, we encourage you to explore sponsorship options.
How do I apply for media/press credentials to attend CTM 2025?
Media credentials are by invitation only – determined between the host destination and CHTA – and require a qualification process to ensure alignment with CTM’s media criteria. There is a limited number of allocations per market.
If you are a journalist, travel writer, or media representative interested in covering the event, please contact CHTA’s PR team – Claire Kunzman, Anything But Advertising, Email: claire@anythingbutadvertising.com.
What is the schedule for the Direct Booking Summit - Caribbean edition (DBSC)?
DBSC is scheduled on Thursday, May 22nd at the Sandals Grande Antigua from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Transportation will be provided from host hotels noted with shuttle service. The event will feature educational sessions, networking and a lunch.
Registration Related
What are the different registration types, and who qualifies?
Caribbean Travel Marketplace offers three main registration categories:
- Suppliers: Caribbean-based businesses and destinations offering accommodations, attractions, destination management companies, car rentals and transportation (including airlines).
- CHTA membership is required.
- Buyers: International and regional companies involved in selling Caribbean travel products, including tour operators, wholesalers, OTAs, travel advisors, and corporate/MICE buyers.
- Qualified buyers receive complimentary registration. Buyers are encouraged to join CHTA to access resources and information to assist with their business strategies and for insights on the Caribbean tourism and hospitality industry.
- Marketing & Technology Companies: Businesses providing digital marketing, advertising, or technology solutions for the travel and hospitality industry. CHTA membership is required. CHTA Allied members that can apply for registration under the Media Advertiser/Marketing category are:
- Ad agencies
- Data collection
- Distribution systems
- Hotel franchises
- Magazine advertisers
- Marketing products
- Marketing representation
- Media representation
- PR agencies
- Publishing companies
- Reservation services
- Technology related
- Website development and booking engines
If a company does not qualify under these categories, participation at Marketplace is not available but are encouraged to consider participation in other CHTA events, including:
- Caribbean Travel Forum (May 19, Antigua and Barbuda)
- Direct Booking Summit – Caribbean Edition (May 22, Antigua and Barbuda)
- CHIEF – Caribbean Hospitality Industry Exchange Forum (November 2025, Miami)
How can a marketing or technology company showcase their solutions at CTM 2025?
Marketing or technology companies can have a display area and appointments with suppliers through sponsorship. Sponsorship benefits include:
✔ Guaranteed display area on the selling floor
✔ Pre-scheduled appointments with key decision-makers
✔ Access to attendee lists (pre and post-event)
✔ Brand exposure through event promotions
✔ Opportunities for exclusive networking sessions
To discuss sponsorship opportunities, please contact CHTA at information@caribbeanhotelandtourism.com. Sponsors are required to be CHTA members which enhances their business by providing access to all the resources and insights CHTA members receive.
Is a list of attendees provided to registered delegates?
Registered delegates gain access to the online directory, where they can view the full registration list, including contact details for all registered delegates and company profiles. The online directory typically becomes available within two to three weeks after registration opens, allowing participants ample time to connect and schedule appointments before the event.
Is there a portal for meetings?
Yes, registered delegates will have access to the official appointment scheduling portal. This platform allows attendees to view the directory of registered companies, request and accept meetings (for appointment taking delegates), and manage their schedules efficiently. The meeting portal opens after the online directory is available, typically two to three weeks after registration begins. More details on accessing and using the portal will be provided to registered delegates closer to its launch.
Hosted Buyers & Business Appointments
How can I become a Hosted Buyer?
A shuttle service will run at scheduled times between host hotels and AUA. Attendees staying in Unique Stays accommodations must arrange their own transport.
Are there different accommodation options?
Yes, accommodations are categorized into:
- Hotels
- Villas
- Unique Stays
A list of participating accommodations are available on the Marketplace website.
How many appointments can a Buyer schedule?
The appointment schedule allows for up to 40 appointment slots with four additional slots that are assigned for lunch. Buyers may register multiple appointment-taking delegates.
Logistics Including Travel
How will I get to and from Marketplace?
Selection is managed by CHTA and the host destination, with priority given to buyers new to the Caribbean Travel Marketplace or the region. If interested, submit an application via the Marketplace website. Buyers that were previously hosted will not be considered for consecutive hosted provisions; as a reminder, buyers receive complimentary event registration.
Are there different accommodation options?
Yes, accommodations are categorized into:
- Hotels
- Villas
- Unique Stays
A list of participating accommodations will be available on the Marketplace website.
Will there be WiFi at the venue?
Yes, WiFi access will be available. Access codes will be provided at the registration desk.
Is lunch included in the event?
No, lunch is not included, but a variety of food options will be available for pre-purchase.
Are there coffee breaks?
Yes, two coffee breaks are scheduled daily—one in the morning and one in the afternoon.
Are taxis available outside the conference venue?
Yes, taxis will be available at AUA.
Is there an ATM at the venue?
No, there is no ATM at the venue.
Can companies host their own private events during CTM 2025?
Private events must not conflict with any official CTM events. Any social or business gathering cannot be scheduled during Marketplace’s official program. Companies interested in hosting a private event must notify CHTA in advance, but CHTA will not facilitate or coordinate private events.
Companies hosting private events that conflict with official CTM events may face consequences, including: revocation of registration, loss of event access and/or potential termination of CHTA membership.
We encourage private events during these approved time slots:
- Sunday, May 18 – After 6:00 PM
- Tuesday, May 20 – After 6:30 PM
Companies seeking venue recommendations can reach out to CHTA to be connected with a destination representative to provide list of available venues.
Can companies host their own private events during CTM 2025?
Private events must not conflict with any official CTM events. Any social or business gathering cannot be scheduled during Marketplace’s official program. Companies interested in hosting a private event must notify CHTA in advance, but CHTA will not facilitate or coordinate private events.
Companies hosting private events that conflict with official CTM events may face consequences, including: revocation of registration, loss of event access and/or potential termination of CHTA membership.
Selling Floor & Exhibitor Information
What is the selling floor setup for 2025?
For 2025, Caribbean Travel Marketplace will feature a multi-zone selling floor to maximize space and ensure an optimal meeting environment at the American University of Antigua (AUA). The event will be hosted across three fully equipped meeting zones, all designed to provide a consistent, high-quality experience for all participants.
What You Can Expect:
✔ Seamless Experience: All zones are equally designated for business appointments, ensuring the same high-value meeting opportunities across the entire selling floor.
✔ Consistent Comfort & Service: Each space is air-conditioned, enclosed, and fully serviced, providing a unified Marketplace experience.
✔ Clear Navigation: The venue layout will be clearly mapped, with signage and wayfinding assistance to ensure smooth transitions between zones. Appointments will also be coordinated to maximize continued appointments within the same zones reducing the back and forth.
This modernized layout allows Marketplace to expand into new host destinations, ensuring continued growth while maintaining a consistent and high-quality experience across venues.
What types of stations will be available?
- Destination Pavilions – Centralized spaces for suppliers from the same destination.
- Standard Supplier Stations – Tables with seating for business meetings.
- Branded Supplier Stations (Limited Availability) – Includes space for minimal branding elements.
What if I prefer a traditional booth?
A limited number of branded stations will be available. However, the open-table format is designed to enhance efficiency and maintain the event’s focus on facilitating valuable meetings.
Can I still showcase my property and materials?
Yes. Suppliers will have space to display digital content (tablets/laptops recommended), and small branded items. The emphasis is on focused business discussions rather than large-scale booth presentations. Each station will have a sign with your company logo which will also be displayed in the walls of the destination pavilion. You are also encouraged to load your company logo and materials to your company profile on the directory.
Is the selling floor carpeted?
No, the selling floor will not be carpeted.
Will there be printing services available?
No, this service will not be available at the venue. It is recommended that you check at your selected hotel/accommodation provider.
Is electricity included at the selling stations?
Each station will have one electrical outlet, but portable chargers are recommended.
Is there a freight forwarder for shipping promotional materials?
Yes, details on the official freight forwarder will be shared soon. The logistics team will coordinate booth number assignments and delivery.
Will the new setup impact appointment scheduling?
No, the structured supplier-buyer appointment format remains unchanged.
