🌴 Antigua is stepping up a gear! With nearly 800 delegates gathered for the launch of the Caribbean Travel Marketplace, this Caribbean island is becoming the new nerve center of regional tourism. And Canada? It is not on vacation. It establishes itself as a major partner, with ambitious projects and strong ties.
Here is how this alliance will transform the tourism landscape in the coming years.
🏝️ Antigua: the new tourism gem post-COVID
With a 16% increase in arrivals, Antigua and Barbuda are signing a spectacular comeback. And it’s no coincidence. The island is fully leveraging its strengths:
✨ Dreamy beaches
✨ Accommodations for all budgets
✨ Immersive cultural experiences
Events like the Festival of the Sea and Culinary Month plunge visitors into the soul of the island.
🌐 The Caribbean Travel Marketplace: deals that matter
The recent Caribbean Travel Marketplace brought together 780 delegates and over 9,000 B2B meetings. The goal?
✅ Forge partnerships
✅ Strengthen infrastructures
✅ Highlight tourism innovation
And this is just the beginning. The local dynamism is attracting more and more investors, with new resorts opening and renowned chefs showcasing their skills in the kitchen.
🇨🇦 Canada, a discreet but powerful driver of the Caribbean boom
True to form, Canada plays a central role. Canadian travelers are flocking to the Caribbean, and brands like Molson Coors, Lululemon, and Tim Hortons are riding this wave by contributing to the local economy.
The country also supports:
📶 Air connectivity
🧩 Economic exchanges
🎓 Training in hospitality
A true bridge between the North and the islands, with an increasing focus on sustainable development.
🌍 The rise of responsible tourism: more than a trend
Antigua doesn’t just want to be beautiful. It wants to be exemplary. Thanks to the Responsible Tourism Initiative, it is adopting concrete practices:
🌱 Local products in dining
🚯 Reducing plastic in events
🤝 Sustainable community projects
Companies like Hydro-Québec and BMO are committing to eco-responsible projects. Even The Cirque du Soleil is joining the celebration, showcasing Caribbean culture through immersive shows.
🚀 2025: a pivotal year
| 📌 Event | 📍 Location | 📅 Date |
|---|---|---|
| Festival of the Sea | Antigua | All year round |
| Caribbean Flavors Marketplace | Antigua & Barbuda | Spring 2025 |
| Direct Booking Summit (hospitality) | Online / in-person | Summer 2025 |
| Conferences on sustainable tourism | Various sites | June 2025 |
🔍 Trends to watch closely
📈 Increase in Canadian travelers
🔗 Boom in inter-island partnerships
📊 Explosion of tech solutions for tourism
🎯 Focus on ecotourism and local value enhancement
❤️ Conclusion: a clear and committed vision
Antigua doesn’t just want to host tourists. It wants to inspire, educate, and offer them a unique experience. By betting on Canada as an ally, the island asserts a bold strategy: that of innovative, ethical, and sustainable tourism.
And what if it was the model to follow for the future of the Caribbean?
Julie Lambert – Travel & News Blogger
Passionate about discoveries and current events, I share my adventures around the world along with insights on key societal issues. From travel stories to news analysis, join me in exploring and understanding the world!
