Barbados has secured one of the Caribbean tourism industry’s most significant events after being selected to host Caribbean Travel Marketplace (CTM) 2027, the region’s premier business-to-business tourism conference. The announcement, made during this year’s Caribbean Travel Marketplace in Antigua, positions Barbados at the centre of regional tourism development while reinforcing its reputation as a leader in Caribbean hospitality.
The annual event, organized by the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), brings together international buyers, tourism boards, hotels, attractions, transportation providers, and industry stakeholders for pre-scheduled business meetings designed to generate partnerships and increase travel to Caribbean destinations.
For Barbados, hosting the 45th edition of Caribbean Travel Marketplace is an endorsement of the island’s tourism infrastructure, business environment, and ability to convene the global travel industry.
“Barbados has long played an important leadership role in Caribbean tourism and within CHTA,” said Vanessa Ledesma, Chief Executive Officer of CHTA. She noted that organizers are planning a “Reimagined, elevated attendee experience” featuring innovative programming and expanded opportunities to connect Caribbean tourism suppliers with buyers from international markets.
Tourism remains one of the Caribbean’s most important economic drivers, supporting employment, foreign exchange earnings, investment, and thousands of small and medium-sized businesses. Events such as Caribbean Travel Marketplace help strengthen those economic foundations by creating commercial opportunities that extend well beyond the conference itself.
Barbados’ Minister of Tourism and International Transport, Hon. G.P. Ian Gooding-Edghill, described the selection as both an honour and a strategic opportunity for the island.
“Hosting Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2027 is an important opportunity for Barbados and a reflection of the confidence placed in our tourism product, our people, and our infrastructure,” he said. “It will create economic value, strengthen regional collaboration, and further position Barbados as a leader in Caribbean tourism.”
The announcement was equally welcomed by the Barbados Hotel & Tourism Association (BHTA), whose members will play a central role in delivering the event.
BHTA Chairman Javon Griffith said Caribbean Travel Marketplace is where lasting partnerships are formed and new business opportunities emerge.
“On behalf of the Barbados Hotel & Tourism Association and the wider local industry, we are honoured to welcome CHTA Marketplace 2027 to Barbados,” Griffith said. “This event is where relationships are built, business is advanced, and our destination is showcased to the world. We look forward to welcoming delegates with the very best of Bajan hospitality.”
Additional details, including conference venues, registration, and program information, are expected to be announced in the coming months.
As global competition for visitors intensifies, Barbados’ successful bid signals growing confidence in the island’s ability to lead regional tourism conversations, attract international investment, and showcase the innovation, resilience, and hospitality that continue to define the Caribbean tourism brand on the world stage.
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