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The main venue for the conference activities will be the American University of Antigua (AUA).
Responsible Tourism Day
Promotes sustainable tourism development through giving back to local communities. Delegates will engage in activities that demonstrate commitment to responsible tourism, emphasizing the need for environmentally sustainable, economically beneficial, and culturally respectful practices in the travel industry.
Offshore Islands Adventure: Conservation and Exploration with the Environmental Awareness Group (EAG)
The Experience: Embark on an unforgettable adventure through one of Antigua and Barbuda’s largest marine protected areas, the North East Marine Management Area (NEMMA), and witness the inspiring efforts of locally-led biodiversity conservation and sustainable tourism initiatives. This exclusive experience highlights the recovery of endangered species and the transformative power of island restoration.
Your journey begins with a scenic boat ride from the Stingray City dock in Seaton’s, where you will undergo a brief educational orientation before setting out on the seas. As you glide through our mangroves by boat, your expert EAG guide will introduce you to the fascinating flora and fauna that thrive in this unique environment. Your exploration will take you through the stunning landscapes and seascapes of NEMMA, with a special stop at Great Bird Island. Upon arrival, enjoy a short, guided hike to the island’s high point, where you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the offshore islands and the opportunity to witness the island’s incredible birdlife. On your descent, meet the critically endangered Antiguan Racer formerly the World’s rarest snake), the flagship species of EAG’s conservation efforts and the species that brought Fauna & Flora to the island as a partner decades ago. Afterwards, relax and unwind with refreshments and a refreshing swim or snorkel in the crystal-clear waters.
Duration: Half-Day (4 hours) starting at 9:00 AM
Group Size: 25 participants
Includes:
- Boat transportation to and from the offshore islands
- Guided tour led by conservation experts
- Hands-on conservation activities, such as species monitoring or habitat restoration
- Light refreshments
- Exclusive merchandise inspired by the wildlife of the offshore islands
This immersive half-day tour offers an intimate glimpse into the vital conservation work happening in one of the Caribbean’s most ecologically rich areas, with hands-on experiences that will last a lifetime
About EAG: The Environmental Awareness Group is the oldest conservation organization in Antigua & Barbuda. The work is locally led with international reach. Their mission is to work collaboratively towards shaping a mindful and responsible society that sustainably uses biodiversity, fosters sustainable livelihoods, and promotes nature-based solutions supported by science. The EAG aims to ensure conservation benefits the people and wildlife through its Offshore Islands Conservation Programme, Redonda Ecosystem Reserve Programme and the Antigua Marine Conservation Programme.
Antigua Inside Out Heritage Agro-Tourism Experience
The Experience: Embark on a captivating journey that combines history, agriculture, and sustainability, beginning with a visit to two (2) iconic historic sites that have shaped the country’s rich cultural heritage. Along the way, take in the scenic views of the southern part of Antigua. Then the tour will take you to a charming local farm, where you will gain a firsthand understanding of the practices that sustain the area’s agriculture. You will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the rhythms of farm life as you explore the fields, witness farming techniques, and engage with the team from the community that nurtures the land. As part of this enriching experience, enjoy tastings of fresh, seasonal produce straight from the farm, complemented by light refreshments while you enjoy the views of the ocean on one of Antigua’s most pristine beaches at the end of the tour. This unique experience seamlessly intertwines the fascinating worlds of history, farming, tourism, and sustainability, offering a deeper appreciation for how these elements work together to support the environment and local economies.
Duration: 4 hours commencing at 12:30pm
Group Size: 86 Participants
Includes:
- Ground transfer to and from start point (Sir Vivian Richards Stadium)
- Guided scenic tours
- Refreshments
About Antigua Inside Out Tours: Antigua Inside Out Tours is a locally owned and run tour company which offers unique immersive experiences which cater to a wide array of needs – the thrill seeker, the history buffs, the eco-adventurer, the laid-back wonderer.
Local Arts & Craft Experience at the Bay Gardens
The Experience: Embark on an immersive journey where you can indulge your senses and craft lasting memories. Set in the tranquil Bay Gardens, surrounded by nature’s embrace, this experience invites you to dive into the art of chocolate making and create your own delicious masterpiece. You will also enjoy an exclusive session with the world-renowned Hell’s Gate Steel Orchestra, learning about the rich history of the steel pan in Antigua and discovering how to play. You will be treated to delicious local treats as part of the experience.
Duration: 3 hours commencing at 12:30 PM
Group Size: 30 Participants
Includes:
- Ground transfer to and from Bay Gardens
- Chocolate making Session
- Learning Steel pan session
- Refreshments
About Bay Gardens Chocolate Tour: Tucked away in the serene Bay Gardens, Antigua House of Chocolate offers a one-of-a-kind chocolate experience.
About Hell’s Gate Steel Orchestra: The world’s oldest continuous Steelband based in Antigua. Established in 1945.
Caribbean Travel Forum
Caribbean Travel Forum brings together public and private sector representatives to discuss the business of regional tourism. The forum also recognizes excellence across the sector with awards for outstanding individuals and organizations.
7:00 PM - Opening Celebration at Weatherills Estate
Dress Code: All White
Theme: Expressions: An Evening of Youth and Culture
Experience an unforgettable night of music, culture and art, featuring:
- The Antigua and Barbuda Youth Symphony Orchestra (ABYSO) – A grand 90-member performance
- Cultural Production – “Arwe Antiguan Marketplace”
- Live Youth Steel Orchestras
- Exclusive Art Exhibition and Artisan Market
- Vibes by Talented Youth DJs
- A mini food fair featuring local delicacies
- Explore the gardens of the historic Weatherills Estate and the views from the sugar mill tower
Join us as we celebrate our culture and the vibrant expressions of Antigua and Barbuda’s youth!
Selling Floor Open
Buyers and sellers engaging in one-on-one appointments
Selling Floor Open
Buyers and sellers engaging in one-on-one appointments.
6:30 PM - The Closing Party: Coolidge Cricket Grounds
Dress Code: Cricket Jerseys or Colorful Attire
Theme: The Wicket Fete – The Cricket Carnival Experience
Featuring:
- Cultural performances to include the steel band, iron band and cultural dancers
- Antigua’s very own DJ Quest and DJ Altitude
- 4 phenomenal bands; Tian Winter and Iconic, Claudette Peters, Kutting Edge and the Original Burning Flames
- Meet and Greet Antigua and Barbuda’s Cricket Legends: Sir Vivian Richards, Sir Curtly Ambrose, Sir Richard Richardson, Sir Anderson Roberts
- Amazing cuisine and drinks
Let’s close out CHTA Marketplace 2025 in true Antigua and Barbuda style!
Direct Booking Summit - Caribbean Edition
A brand-new addition to the Marketplace program, this one-day event 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.
8:45 AM - Registration and Refreshments
9:05 AM - Welcome Remarks
Join CHTA’s leadership for welcoming remarks:
Sanovnik Destang, President of Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association, and Executive Vice President of Bay Gardens Resort
Vanessa Ledesma, Chief Executive Officer of Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association
9:10 AM - Direct Bookings in the Caribbean
This session sets the stage by examining the direct booking landscape in the Caribbean. It will explore how the region’s traditional reliance on wholesalers is evolving and highlight strategies for shifting to a more direct-driven model. Expect insights from industry leaders on overcoming distribution challenges, improving digital engagement, and capitalizing on changing guest behaviors. This keynote will provide a roadmap for hoteliers looking to reclaim control of their bookings and profitability.
9:40 AM - Leveraging Local Partnerships: Attractions, Tours & Cultural Immersion for Direct Bookings
Guests are increasingly looking for immersive local experiences, and hotels that offer these experiences stand out in the direct booking space. This session explores strategies for partnering with local attractions, tour operators, and cultural events to create unique, bookable experiences. Learn how to package and promote destination-based perks that drive direct bookings, increase guest satisfaction, and strengthen ties with the local community.
10:20 AM - CRM Best Practices for Personalization, Email Marketing & Repeat Bookings
A well-implemented Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system can significantly enhance guest loyalty and direct revenue. This session will cover how hotels can use guest data, segmentation, and automated email marketing to personalize offers, drive repeat bookings, and boost engagement. Topics include nurturing potential guests through email sequences, leveraging data for targeted campaigns, and using CRM to build a strong guest relationship strategy. Attendees will leave with actionable steps to create high-converting email marketing campaigns and loyalty-driven CRM strategies.
10:45 AM - Morning Break
11:05 AM - Rate Parity, Wholesaler Impact & Revenue Strategies
Maintaining rate parity across distribution channels is critical for a successful direct booking strategy. This session will provide insights on how to monitor pricing discrepancies, enforce parity with OTAs and wholesalers, and optimize revenue management strategies to maximize direct bookings. The discussion will also cover how to use meta search effectively as part of a direct booking approach, ensuring hotels maintain visibility while driving more commission-free reservations.
11:30 AM - Managing Wholesaler Relationships While Strengthening Direct Strategies
Balancing wholesaler contracts while prioritizing direct bookings is one of the biggest challenges for Caribbean hoteliers. This session will explore negotiation tactics, rate parity strategies, and how to manage relationships with OTAs and tour operators without sacrificing direct revenue. Learn how to minimize rate leakage, incentivize direct bookings, and maintain control over distribution while still leveraging key partnerships that contribute to occupancy.
12:10 PM - Digital Marketing Masterclass: Conversion Optimization, Paid Ads & Retargeting
A comprehensive look at how to optimize digital advertising, conversion strategies, and retargeting efforts to increase direct bookings. This session will provide actionable insights on running high-performing ad campaigns on Google, Meta, Instagram, and TikTok while leveraging retargeting strategies to recover abandoned bookings. Learn how to track and analyze ad performance, optimize spend, and improve ROI on digital marketing campaigns to drive direct revenue.
12:35 PM - Website Best Practices: Maximizing Conversion & User Experience
Your website is your most powerful direct booking tool. This session will explore how to optimize the user experience (UX) and conversion rate to maximize direct revenue. Learn best practices for mobile-first design, booking engine optimization, and reducing friction in the booking process. The session will also cover the role of high-impact visuals, persuasive call-to-actions, and localized content to drive bookings from both international and regional travelers.
1:00 PM - Lunch Break
2:00 PM - PR & SEO Synergy: Leveraging Media for Enhanced Organic Reach
A well-executed public relations strategy can significantly enhance a hotel’s organic visibility and credibility, leading to more direct bookings. This session will explore how PR and SEO efforts can work together, from leveraging media placements and press releases to enhancing search engine optimization (SEO) through strategic content creation. Learn how to craft compelling narratives about your hotel, engage with travel journalists, and generate online buzz that leads to increased direct bookings.
2:30 PM - Maximizing Direct Bookings through Social Media, Influencers & TikTok Trends
Social media platforms, especially TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, are key drivers of travel inspiration and direct bookings. This session will cover the latest trends in short-form video content, influencer partnerships, and user-generated content (UGC). Learn how to create engaging social media campaigns, work with travel influencers, and leverage viral trends to drive traffic directly to your booking engine.
3:10 PM - Crisis Management & Resilience: Sustaining Direct Bookings in Uncertain Times
Hotels must be prepared to maintain and grow direct bookings during periods of crisis, whether due to economic downturns, natural disasters, or global travel disruptions. This session will provide frameworks for managing crises, building resilience, and sustaining guest confidence. Learn how to develop contingency plans, implement flexible booking policies, and leverage crisis communication strategies to maintain strong direct booking performance even in difficult times.
3:50 PM - Future Trends and Roadmap to Direct Booking Independence
The hospitality landscape is shifting rapidly, and direct bookings are becoming more essential than ever. This session will highlight emerging trends, innovations in technology, and shifts in traveler behavior that will impact Caribbean hotels in the coming years. Learn how artificial intelligence, automation, sustainability, and personalization are shaping the future of direct bookings. The session will also explore how hotels can future-proof their business models while maintaining beneficial partnerships with third-party distributors.
