At Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2025, Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda offered a powerful endorsement of the island nation’s growing role as a regional leader in tourism, collaboration, and conference hosting. Attending his first Caribbean Marketplace, the Prime Minister expressed both admiration for the event’s execution and a clear strategic vision for the future of Antigua and Barbuda as the epicenter of Caribbean business and diplomacy.
A Strong Debut: CTM 2025 Hosted in Style
“This is my first Caribbean Marketplace,” Browne shared, “and I’m very impressed—especially by the level of participation from the OECS and wider Caribbean region.”
Held at Antigua’s world-class convention facility, the event attracted top-tier tourism professionals, hoteliers, airlines, and ministers from across the hemisphere. For the Prime Minister, the venue’s success demonstrates his government’s dedication to positioning Antigua and Barbuda as a premier destination not only for leisure, but also for international events and policy forums.
“This facility is one of the best in the OECS and beyond,” Browne affirmed. “We are seeking to make Antigua and Barbuda the conference capital of the Caribbean.”
Uniting the OECS for Regional Strength
Browne used the platform to call for greater regional collaboration among OECS nations, stressing the importance of shared strategies in boosting tourism arrivals and attracting foreign investment.
“There needs to be greater collaboration between OECS Caribbean countries to exploit the synergies that exist between us,” he said.
This includes promoting multi-destination tourism packages, joint marketing efforts, and improving airlift connectivity across the region—an essential factor in the growth of Caribbean tourism.
Upcoming Milestones: Antigua on the World Stage
Antigua and Barbuda’s emergence as a hub for global gatherings is accelerating. Following the success of Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2025, the country is set to host a series of high-profile conferences:
- OAS Conference in the coming weeks
- CHOGM 2026 – the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, which will bring leaders from over 50 nations to Antigua’s shores
These events represent major opportunities for Antigua and Barbuda to showcase its infrastructure, hospitality, and readiness to lead on the international stage.
A Message of Warmth and Welcome
True to the spirit of the destination, Prime Minister Browne also offered a warm welcome to the global audience attending Marketplace.
“We are very pleased to invite all our visitors and ensure they enjoy hospitality that is second to none.”
This blend of professional ambition and traditional Caribbean warmth embodies the evolving identity of Antigua and Barbuda—a destination that balances leisure and luxury with leadership and legacy.
Conclusion: Leading by Hosting
With Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2025 now a resounding success, Antigua and Barbuda’s role in the region is clear: a bridge between islands, a stage for global diplomacy, and a beacon for regional integration and innovation.
As Browne put it, “Antigua and Barbuda is now emerging—literally—as the conference capital of the Caribbean.”
