The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) has unveiled the agenda for the highly anticipated 2025 Caribbean Travel Forum, scheduled for May 19 in Antigua and Barbuda. The event, serving as the curtain-raiser for the 43rd Caribbean Travel Marketplace, will gather regional leaders from both public and private sectors to address some of the region's most critical challenges — and opportunities — in tourism.

The forum's theme emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and resilience as the Caribbean navigates shifting travel trends, global uncertainties, and the urgent need for more inclusive, sustainable growth.

"As the hospitality and tourism landscape evolves, the Caribbean Travel Forum continues to serve as a vital space for actionable dialogue," said Vanessa Ledesma, CEO of CHTA. "This year’s topics are both timely and foundational — from intra-Caribbean airlift to sustainable tourism and local linkages."

Key Topics for the 2025 Caribbean Travel Forum:

• Caribbean Travel Trends: Data-Driven Insights for 2025
  Featuring ForwardKeys’ Olivier Ponti, this opening session will examine the latest data on traveler behavior, global tourism shifts, and regional performance metrics, offering strategic insight for navigating the year ahead.
• Geopolitical & Economic Disruptions
  With global instability impacting supply chains, inflation, and traveler confidence, Tourism Economics’ Zeek Coleman will analyze the risks and emerging opportunities Caribbean destinations must address.
• Policy & Advocacy Priorities
  James Hepple of Tourism Analytics will present top policy concerns and advocate for unified strategies between governments and the private sector to boost competitiveness and sustainable growth.
• Fixing Intra-Caribbean Airlift
  A major pain point for the region, this session will explore realistic solutions for improving inter-island connectivity — including regional airline partnerships, public-private investments, and new airlift models.
• Tourism Linkages that Work
  Beyond resorts, this session will spotlight how tourism dollars can flow into local economies via agriculture, manufacturing, and culture — turning tourism into a driver of community empowerment.
• Sustainable Tourism in the Caribbean
  A featured panel hosted by Minister Charles Fernandez will showcase Antigua and Barbuda’s leadership in sustainability. Highlights include:
  • Barbuda's emergence as a model for eco-tourism
  • Redonda’s transformation into a biodiversity haven
  • Pioneering coral reef restoration projects supporting climate resilience

Travel Incentives for Attendees

To facilitate access to the Forum and Marketplace, discounted airline fares are available through LIAT 2020 and Sunrise Airways, offering 25% off for all registered participants traveling within the event period.

The Caribbean Travel Forum promises to be more than just a conversation — it is a platform to shape the future of Caribbean tourism with data-driven strategies, policy alignment, and regional cooperation at its core.

For more details or to register, visit caribbeanhotelandtourism.com