Antigua and Barbuda’s status as a tourism powerhouse in the Caribbean was on full display at the 43rd edition of the Caribbean Travel Marketplace, where the twin-island nation played host to regional and international delegates, tour operators, and media representatives.

Minister of Tourism Charles Fernandez opened the conference with a heartfelt message to the press:
"Thank you for being here. We rely on tourism—it’s our lifeblood. And you, the media, are the storytellers who help the world see the Caribbean through our eyes," he said. Fernandez emphasized the resilience of Caribbean nations, noting how the region continues to overcome challenges such as natural disasters, while remaining committed to environmental sustainability. He proudly reminded attendees that Antigua and Barbuda was the first country in the region to ban single-use plastics and styrofoam, and continues to invest in coral reef restoration.

The most impactful moment of the session came from Colin James, CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, who presented compelling data on the country's record-breaking performance.

“Tourism represents 70% of our GDP, and more than 12,000 jobs—about one-third of our labor force—depend on this sector,” said James.
“Where tourism goes, our nation goes.”

In 2024, Antigua and Barbuda welcomed approximately 1.2 million visitors, fueling a 6.1% increase in GDP—a clear sign of the country’s position as one of the fastest-growing service-based economies in the Caribbean.

And the upward trend continues: In the first quarter of 2025, the destination registered 103,000 stay-over arrivals, surpassing the 97,000 recorded in the same period of 2024—already a record year.

Craig Marshall, Chairman of the Antigua and Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association (ABHTA), praised the collective effort that made hosting such a large-scale event possible:
“It’s a testament to the close collaboration between the Tourism Authority, the hotel sector, and the Ministry of Tourism. Antigua and Barbuda may be small, but we punch above our weight,” he said.

As Antigua and Barbuda prepares to close out a successful edition of Caribbean Travel Marketplace, the message is clear: the country is not only back—it is thriving, leading the region with sustainable practices, strong public-private partnerships, and a booming tourism economy.