Richès Karayib met Charmaine Spencer, Regional Director for the Caribbean and Latin America at the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, at the 43ᵉ edition of the Caribbean Travel Marketplace. At a time when the archipelago is increasingly assuming its role as a regional hub, Charmaine Spencer looks back at the differentiated assets of the two islands, their MICE potential, and ambitions for the months ahead, particularly with the French-speaking Caribbean.
Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2025: a showcase for MICE and regional cooperation
Host the Caribbean Travel Marketplace in 2025 was not insignificant for Antigua and Barbuda. It is a proof of confidence but also a showcase of the island’s capacity to organize large-scale events..
“We want to further penetrate the MICE – Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Events – market,” explains Charmaine Spencer. “We have the infrastructure, the accommodation and above all the political and private will to make Antigua a benchmark.”
This edition also enabled Caribbean delegations, sometimes absent when the event is held in more costly or remote territories, to get together with less logistical effort.
“We were delighted to welcome our neighbors. This reflects our commitment to strengthening regional cooperation.”
Two islands, two complementary experiences
Charmaine Spencer is keen to point out: Antigua and Barbuda are two worlds in one country..
- ★ Antigua, the liveliest island, stands out for its upscale hotel infrastructure, nightlife, gourmet scene, festivals and bustling marina.
- ★ Barbuda, more secretive, offers a rare face of the Caribbean: immaculate beaches of white and pink sand, absolute tranquility, immersion in a still wild nature.
“Barbuda is the preserved Caribbean. Antigua is the living, connected Caribbean.”
Charmaine Spencer adds that Barbuda is home to the only only Nobu restaurant in the Eastern Caribbean, proof that luxury can be combined with exclusivity.
A destination for all market segments
Between leisure, romantic, family, cultural and business tourism, Antigua and Barbuda wants to assert its versatility.
“We have beaches for every day of the year… even in a leap year, we’ll find one for you!”
The range also includes :
- ★ the gastronomy (culinary month),
- ★ l’sporting and cultural events (Sailing Week, Carnival, Art Week),
- ★ well-being well-being (hiking, spas, yoga retreats),
- ★ and regional connectivity, in full development.
Objective: strengthen ties with the French West Indies
Charmaine Spencer concludes with a clear message: she wants to develop the presence of visitors from Guadeloupe and Martinique in Antigua.
“I want more direct flights. More accessible events for the French West Indies. I want to see you here, experiencing our Carnival, our Art Week, our cuisine, our culture.”
Antigua wants to build air, human and cultural bridges with the French-speaking Caribbean in order to promote inclusive, intra-Caribbean and solidarity tourism. inclusive, intra-Caribbean tourism.
