Antigua and Barbuda will once again become the center of the Caribbean tourism industry when it hosts Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2026 (CTM), the region’s leading B2B travel event, from May 12 to May 15.

The Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association (CHTA) announced that appointments are now officially open, with international buyer registrations already trending ahead of last year’s pace.

The 2026 edition, returning to Antigua and Barbuda for the second consecutive year, will bring together tour operators, wholesalers, travel advisors, airlines, hotels and destinations from around the world with Caribbean suppliers seeking to expand their international reach.

“The Caribbean is experiencing a moment of extraordinary opportunity,” said CHTA President Sanovnik Destang. “New buyers are coming strong, and they want to discover new products, build new relationships and do business. Marketplace is where that happens.”

Now in its 44th year, CTM remains the Caribbean’s premier tourism business platform. Over two days of pre-scheduled meetings, suppliers will meet directly with global buyers, reducing what would otherwise require months of sales calls and international travel.

According to CHTA CEO Vanessa Ledesma, the event has also become an essential source of market intelligence. “Buyers gain access to the full range of Caribbean tourism products in one place, while suppliers hear directly what travelers are demanding and how they can become more competitive,” she said.

Beyond business appointments, CTM 2026 will include networking opportunities, industry panels and the return of the Linkages Showcase, an initiative designed to connect tourism with other sectors of the Caribbean economy, including agriculture, manufacturing and the creative industries.

Antigua and Barbuda’s selection as host once again reinforces the destination’s growing reputation as one of the Caribbean’s leading meetings and conference hubs.

To make attendance easier, partner hotels are offering special delegate rates across a broad range of accommodations, from boutique hotels to full-service resorts. Regional airline LIAT Air will also provide attendees with a 15% airfare discount for travel to Antigua and Barbuda.

Organizers expect a record-setting edition, fueled by strong global demand for Caribbean travel and continued momentum in the region’s tourism recovery.