On Saturday March 14, 2026, the Hotel de l’Assemblée de la CTM in Fort-de-France hosted the 6th edition of the Caribbean Business Cruise (CBC). Organized by Isanaja Consulting in partnership with Martinique Développement this economic morning brought together Caribbean entrepreneurs from Guadeloupe, Saint Lucia and Antigua & Barbuda to work towards a common goal: to turn the Caribbean into a concrete area of economic cooperation.
A business cruise, a pioneering concept in the Caribbean
The Caribbean Business Cruise is no ordinary networking event. Created in 2019 by Isabelle Adelis Flandrina, founder and CEO of Isanaja Consulting, the Caribbean Business Cruise is presented as the first Caribbean business cruise. The concept is to enable business leaders to meet aboard a ship, away from busy schedules, to build real business relationships.
"Together with my husband, we created the first edition of the Caribbean Business Cruise in 2019, which was originally founded to enable business leaders to go on mission with their families."
In six years, Caribbean Business Cruise has evolved to include an increasingly structured economic dimension. Caribbean Business Cruise 6 now boasts a partnership agreement with the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), making Isanaja Consulting one of the few private French companies to hold this partnership, according to its founder. This recognition opens up access to an English- and Spanish-speaking network that Martinique is still struggling to exploit to the full.
Martinique as a host and investment destination
The Caribbean Business Cruise kicked off with a speech by Alexandre Ventadour, territorial councillor at the Martinique Assembly and President of Martinique Développement. His message: Martinique isn’t waiting for investors, it’s getting ready to receive them.
"Our Martinican companies are here to showcase what Martinique can do best."
Yann Yala also of Martinique Développement, gave an economic overview of the region: GDP in excess of €10 billion, with growth of around 1%, per capita GDP of €29,000, a population of 356,000, and a trade balance that is largely in deficit, with a coverage rate of around 20% by 2025. Three sectors have been identified as priority development drivers: tourism (6% of GDP, €600 million in annual sales), renewable energies and the digital economy.
With this diagnosis in mind, the question of export support became central. Martinique Développement focuses on attractiveness and installation support, while the Martinique Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIM) has taken over responsibility for exports, notably via the Caribbean Trade Facilitation Team. Stéphanie Pujar, project manager for Caribbean cooperation at the CCIM, presented this bilingual (French and English) program, which supports companies from Martinique, Guadeloupe and Guyana in their export development.
"International business support is truly a tailor-made service. Every company has its own project, so every company also has services that suit it."
French companies can benefit from grants from the French Ministry for Overseas France covering between 50% and 75% of the cost of international assignments. It’s a little-known lever that’s regularly highlighted at this type of event.
Caribbean entrepreneurs in search of partners
Caribbean Business Cruise 6 gave a dozen companies the opportunity to present themselves in two minutes, before getting down to B2B business. A deliberately tight format to get straight to the point.
Among the English-speaking participants, Celia Samuel representative of Go To Enterprise (Antigua & Barbuda) and board member of the Antigua Chamber of Commerce, was back for the second year running. She distributes wholesale food products: fruits, vegetables, meats, agro-processed products, from producer to end customer, and is looking for manufacturers wishing to export to the English-speaking Caribbean.
"I am passionate about working with other Caribbean islands and other Caribbean companies. Time waits for no man. So if you see an opportunity, jump on it. "
"I'm passionate about working with other Caribbean islands and companies. Time waits for no one. So if you see an opportunity, seize it."
Her testimonial is a concrete illustration of the value of the Caribbean Business Cruise: during the previous edition, she forged a relationship with a producer in Grenada, and is now the exclusive distributor of his brand in Antigua, with prospects for expansion to other islands.
Chantal Alexander, General Manager of Abby’s Exotic Blends (Saint Lucia), was presenting a range of preservative-free agro-processed products based on plantain, breadfruit, sweet potato and green banana, potato chips, confectionery and rum punches, and was looking for distributors or production partners.
On the Guadeloupe side, the sectors represented covered a broad spectrum: cybersecurity with CyberCorsair (Jérémy Benallal) water and renewable energy engineering with Prest’eau Caraïbes (Luigi Apoari), management consulting with Auxiliary Being (Franciane Morvany), software and digital training with ISP Informatique and cultural and tourist development with the association Fout Gwada Bel (Leslie Morvany). Guadeloupe’s Chambre des Métiers de l’Artisanat was also on hand to promote its Artisans Pays de Guadeloupe label and explore synergies with its counterparts in Martinique.
A mindset to build
Isabelle Adelis Flandrina was keen to point out a reality with which the room is familiar: French-speaking and English-speaking entrepreneurs don’t arrive at the same meetings with the same frame of mind.
On the English side, when they go there, they go there to do business. Clearly, if they come to meet you, it's to find out if you can meet their demand."
This difference in entrepreneurial culture runs like a thread through the successive CBCs. This year, the Martinique and Caribbean delegations were more cautious than expected: the founder refers in particular to the Caribbean geopolitical context linked to US policies and its impact on regional business dynamics. A Haitian delegation, initially scheduled, was unable to join the event for logistical reasons.
Despite these absences, the Caribbean Business Cruise 2026 confirmed the usefulness of these regional meetings. The B2B exchanges that followed the presentations, in the Assembly hall, materialized what the CBC seeks to provoke: real connections between players who, geographically close, do not spontaneously cross paths.
Digicel Business a partner of the event, emphasized through the voice of its Administrative and Financial Director René Klock the importance of this type of initiative in strengthening the regional economic fabric around Caribbean VSEs and SMEs.
The 7th edition of the Caribbean Business Cruise is already on the cards, with organizers hoping for a larger Martinique delegation on board.
The Caribbean Business Cruise (CBC) is the first Caribbean business cruise, created in 2019 by Isanaja Consulting. Each year, it brings together business leaders from all over the Caribbean – French, English and Spanish speakers – for B2B exchanges and regional partnership opportunities. The 6th edition was held on March 14, 2026 in Fort-de-France, Martinique.
Martinique boasts a GDP of over 10 billion euros, a largely service-based economy and identified growth sectors: tourism, renewable energies and digital technology. Martinique Développement and the Martinique Chamber of Commerce and Industry offer tailor-made support for setting up and exporting, with grants covering 50-75% of the costs of international missions for French companies.
The 6th edition of the Caribbean Business Cruise in Fort-de-France brought together companies in five sectors: agro-processing (Abby’s Exotic Blends, Saint Lucia), cybersecurity (CyberCorsaire, Guadeloupe), water and environmental engineering (Prest’eau Caraïbes, Guadeloupe), distribution and international trade (Go To Enterprise, Antigua), and business training and support.
Since October 25, Antigua and Barbuda has been living to the rhythm of the ceremonies, concerts and popular initiatives marking the 44ᵉ anniversary of its independence, acquired on November 1ᵉʳ 1981.
Under the theme “Solid – Stable – Soaring”, the archipelago is highlighting its political stability, the solidity of its institutions and the ambition to pursue its economic and cultural expansion.
Until November 3, ten days of festivities structure a dense program where youth, memory and creation meet.
A message of unity and trust
The Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission (ABFC), organizer of the celebrations, wanted a theme that was both sober and meaningful. “Solid – Stable – Soaring” expresses the continuity of a country anchored in its values while looking to the future.
Forty-four years after proclaiming its independence, Antigua and Barbuda has a clear objective: to consolidate its foundations and encourage young people to take part in its development.
The first days of the program have already mobilized schools, choirs and local communities. The National Schools’ Panorama, held on October 25 at the Antigua Port Authority, opened the series of events. The Independence Church Service, the following day, brought together religious leaders and citizens around a message of gratitude and solidarity.
National Heroes Day, on October 27, honored the country’s great figures at the Wreath-Laying Ceremony in Heroes Park, a symbol of recognition for those who have shaped the nation.
Youth at the heart of the celebrations
This year’s program places particular emphasis on youth, considered to be the driving force behind national progress. The National Youth Rally, held on October 30 at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, brought together hundreds of students from all over the country.
Songs, parades, sports and artistic performances illustrated the theme of independence and the role of new generations in building the future of Antigua and Barbuda.
The Festival of Choirs, held on October 28 at St. Anthony’s Secondary School, was another reminder of the importance of transmission. The voices of students, teachers and community choirs symbolically united the two islands in a single breath of cohesion.
Culture, stage and commitment
The 2025 celebrations also mark the 20th anniversary of the National Youth Theatre, which presents a new creation, “Wadadli Roots”, tracing the links between generations and the contemporary realities of Antiguan society.
This production, hailed for its artistic quality, is in line with the Ministry of Culture’s ongoing efforts to support emerging talent.
One of the most eagerly awaited events was the return of the Independence Calypso Competition, held last night at Jack Idle. Calypso, the emblematic genre of the English-speaking Caribbean, has served as a social mirror for decades. Through their lyrics, the artists deliver a lucid and often ironic look at the transformations of Antigua and Barbuda, between national pride and everyday realities.
Another cultural highlight was the presentation of “Unchartered Waters” by Team Antigua – Island Girls, a group renowned for their sporting achievements and youth initiatives. Their artistic creation, presented at the John E. St. Luce Building, illustrates the values of courage, endurance and solidarity so dear to the people of Antigua.
These initiatives confirm the vitality of the local artistic landscape and the place of women in the public sphere.
Tribute to Burning Flames
One of the highlights of this 44ᵉ edition will undoubtedly be the tribute paid to legendary band Burning Flames.
To mark their 40ᵉ anniversary, one of Potters’ main thoroughfares was renamed Burning Flames Highway, a symbolic gesture that links music with collective memory.
On November 3, the road will host a “Highway Traffic Jam”, a closing concert featuring a mix of the band’s old and new rhythms.
Burning Flames has embodied the creativity of Antigua and Barbuda for four decades, and its influence continues to leave its mark on the Caribbean scene.
National holiday and ceremonies on November 1ᵉʳ
This November 1ᵉʳ, official Independence Day, celebrations stretch between Barbuda and Antigua.
The day begins with the Flag Ceremony in Barbuda, followed by the National Food Fair and the grand Independence Ceremonial Parade & National Awards Ceremony at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium.
The parade, broadcast on local media, brings together defense forces, schools, associations and district representatives. It symbolizes the cohesion between institutions and civil society.
In the aisles of the stadium, Food Fair stands showcase national gastronomy: seafood, traditional dishes and contemporary creations testify to local know-how.
Producers and restaurateurs contribute to this promotion of a culinary identity that Antigua and Barbuda defends as a pillar of its heritage.
A forward-looking archipelago
In 2025, commemorations are not limited to a simple patriotic sequence.
They reflect Antigua and Barbuda’s ability to reconcile its history and its ambitions. Activities ranging from school choirs to calypso stages all share a common goal: to assert cultural sovereignty, encourage civic participation and maintain intergenerational cohesion. Political stability and economic growth, mentioned in the official theme, find a concrete echo in popular mobilization.
As the festivities continue until November 3, the archipelago’s image is one of unity and confidence.
Antigua and Barbuda’s forty-four years of independence are thus written as a demonstration of continuity: a solid, stable nation resolutely looking to the future.
The Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) has taken another step forward in its commitment to sustainable development by signing a memorandum of understanding with the International Solar Alliance (ISA). The agreement was signed in Santiago, Chile, at the seventh meeting of the ISA Regional Committee for Latin America and the Caribbean, held from August 4 to 6, 2025.
More than just a technical document, it embodies a collective vision: to accelerate the energy transition of small island states thanks to solar energy, and reduce dependence on costly fossil fuel imports.
OECS: a central player in the Eastern Caribbean
Created in 1981, the OECS currently has eleven members, including six independent states: Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. This regional organization plays a fundamental role in economic integration, shared governance and the coordination of public policies in strategic areas such as education, health, climate and energy.
The signing of this protocol with the ISA is part of a wider strategy to strengthen the economic and environmental resilience of a region particularly exposed to the effects of climate change, devastating hurricanes and volatile energy prices.
The strengths of the International Solar Alliance
The ISA, founded in 2015 on the initiative of India and France, today brings together 124 member states on four continents. It positions itself as a gas pedal of the solar transition, offering innovative financing, technical support and capacity-building programs. Its expertise is particularly valuable for countries in the South, which have to reconcile economic development with climate imperatives.
Under the agreement, ISA undertakes to :
- ✅ promote solar energy in member states,
- ✅ mobilize public and private funds via the World Solar Fund and other climate finance instruments,
- ✅ strengthen local skills through Solar Technology Application Resource Centers (STAR-C).
Action-oriented cooperation
For the OECS, the agreement signed with the ISA goes beyond mere institutional cooperation. It aims to achieve concrete results:
- ✅ develop solar projects capable of reducing dependence on diesel,
- ✅ facilitate access to financing for governments and businesses alike,
- ✅ create skilled jobs in green industries,
- ✅ pool solar equipment purchases to lower costs.
This strategy is perfectly aligned with the “Decade of Sustainable Energy” launched by the OECS for the period 2025-2035. The objective is clear: to make solar energy a cornerstone of the economic and social development of member states.
The specific challenges of small island states
OECS member countries belong to the category of Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Their vulnerability is manifold:
- Geographical, because hurricanes and extreme weather can destroy energy infrastructures in a matter of hours;
- financial, since access to international credit remains limited due to the small size of their economies;
- structural, with heavy dependence on fossil fuel imports that weigh heavily on national budgets and trade balances.
Kerryne James, Minister for Climate Resilience and Co-Chair of the ISA Regional Committee for Latin America and the Caribbean, emphasized this point: “We need to recognize that access to finance for the energy transition remains a major challenge for SIDS.”
A regional center of excellence for solar energy
One of the most innovative aspects of this cooperation is the creation of a Regional Center of Excellence for Solar Energy. This will be used to develop local expertise, promote knowledge sharing and set up training programs tailored to Caribbean realities.
According to Ashish Khanna, Managing Director of the ISA, this initiative will also leverage digital innovations: “By promoting group purchasing of solar energy through digital bidding platforms, we will improve efficiency, reduce costs and attract large-scale private investment.”
A long-term vision for the Caribbean
For Dr Didacus Jules, Director General of OECS, the agreement signed is not just about energy. It is a truly strategic investment in the resilience and economic independence of the region. By transforming the energy sector, the OECS intends to offer its citizens a better quality of life, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The Decade of Sustainable Energy (2025-2035) thus marks a turning point: solar energy is no longer seen as just another option, but as a pillar of the economic and social future of the islands of the Eastern Caribbean.
OECS as regional leader
By signing this agreement with the International Solar Alliance, the OECS confirms its role as a leader in the Caribbean energy transition. By focusing on solar energy, it is charting a credible course towards greater resilience, independence and prosperity for its member states. Beyond the technical aspect, this partnership embodies an ambition: to enable small island states to transform their vulnerability into an asset, by becoming laboratories for sustainable solutions on a global scale.
Antigua Carnival 2025 doesn’t just occupy a place on Antigua and Barbuda ‘s cultural calendar: it embodies a collective memory, a moving heritage and a powerful showcase for Caribbean realities. From July 25 to August 5, this year’s Itz A Vibe combines artistic excellence, historical significance and popular intensity. Twelve days in which an entire island takes center stage, carried by the echo of emancipation and the vitality of a creation that refuses to be erased.
A carnival born of freedom
The origins of Antigua Carnival 2025 go back to a founding moment: August 1, 1834, the date of the abolition of slavery in the British colonies. In Antigua, freedmen spontaneously went out to celebrate their freedom. This popular outburst, rooted in the streets and music, is the foundation of Carnival as it is organized today.
In 1957, Carnival became an official event, replacing the Old Time Christmas Festival. This marked a move towards modern tourism, while retaining traditional elements such as steel bands, satirical characters like John Bull, and Scottish-influenced Highland Fling dancing. This hybridization of cultural resistance and festive reinvention remains the festival’s DNA.
A 2025 program structured around key milestones
Antigua Carnival 2025 opens with a series of pre-events on July 13, including Aunty Claudette’s Kiddies Party, in tribute to Claudette “CP” Peters’ 25-year career. The Calypso Monarch and Party Monarch semi-finals on July 17 and 18, and the Queen of Carnival election on July 20, will set the tone for a highly anticipated edition.
The official Antigua Carnival 2025 week kicks off on July 25 with Face Off, a musical clash between Asa Banton and Tian Winter in Carnival City. On July 26, the popular T-Shirt Mas will transform the streets of St. John’s into a huge parade of textile creativity.
July 30 marks the 40th anniversary of the legendary group Burning Flames, whose influence extends beyond Antigua’s borders. The following day, three major events will take place simultaneously: the Drink Till Ya Weak Boat Cruise, the Caribbean Melting Pot and Watch Night, a cultural vigil organized at the Botanical Gardens.
August 1, Emancipation Day, will be marked by the Calypso Monarch final. On August 2, three events will take place: RISE at Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium, Carnival Dreamz in Hodges Bay, and Panorama, the great steel band meeting. On August 3, D’Breakfast Fete at Splash Antigua and Party Monarch will bring the musical intensity to a close.
Finally, August 4 and 5 are the climax of the festival. J’ouvert kicks off at dawn on Monday, followed by the Monday Mas Parade. The following day, the Parade of Bands parade will offer a final flamboyance in costume, before the traditional Last Lap through the streets of the capital.
Three important cultural anniversaries
This year, Antigua Carnival 2025 celebrates three major figures in its musical heritage. The 80th anniversary of Hell’s Gate Steel Orchestra, founded in 1945, will be honored. Antigua’s oldest steel band was recently hailed as Steelband of the Year at the National Music Awards 2024. In February 2025, the orchestra gave a remarkable performance in Parham Town, blending gospel and classical music.
Burning Flames, a veritable soca monument, celebrates its 40th anniversary. Founded in 1984 by the Edwards brothers, they have made a name for themselves with iconic tracks such as Workey Workey and Stiley Tight, which have marked past editions of the carnival.
Finally, singer Claudette “CP” Peters celebrates 25 years on stage. Renowned for her vocal power and longevity, she embodies the evolution of soca in Antigua, between roots and audacity.
A strong economic impact
For the authorities, Antigua Carnival 2025 is not just a cultural event. It’s also a major economic driver. According to the Minister of Creative Industries, Daryll Matthew, Carnival generates a massive influx of tourists, with hotel occupancy exceeding 90% during the period.
Government investments, estimated at over 5 million US dollars, cover logistics, communications, artistic fees and support for local service providers. From the catering sector to the fashion industry and artisans, the spin-offs are palpable at every level.
Antigua Carnival 2025 also acts as an indirect economic catalyst. Agriculture, transport and related services benefit from the multiplier effect of Carnival tourism. Tourism Minister Charles Fernandez insists that visitors come not only for the official events, but also for the quality of the welcome and the human encounters.
A reinforced transportation and accessibility strategy
Faced with increased demand, several airlines have adapted their offer. American Airlines has added special flights from Miami between July 25 and 28. Caribbean Airlines will operate a dedicated route from Toronto on July 31. Regional carrier LIAT 20 is offering a 25% discount on its fares to Antigua between July 13 and August 12, provided the code VIBE25 is used.
In addition, Frontier Airlines has reopened its weekly service between San Juan (Puerto Rico) and Antigua’s V.C. Bird International Airport since February 2025, strengthening access from the continental USA.
Ahead of Antigua Carnival 2025, a promotional campaign was carried out in Trinidad and Tobago, Antigua’s main Caribbean market. This initiative, led jointly by the Tourism Authority and LIAT 20, aimed to stimulate last-minute bookings through a series of media events and travel agency presentations.
A deep-rooted event, constantly renewed
Antigua Carnival 2025 combines historical roots with ongoing reinvention. While it draws its inspiration from the history of emancipation, it never ceases to redefine itself to the rhythm of generations, musical movements and economic stakes.
With its dense program, the richness of its heritages and the logistical resources deployed to welcome visitors, this edition is a key event in the Caribbean cultural calendar. Every year, this event is much more than just a celebration: it’s an affirmation of identity, a local economy on the move, and a collective memory written in music and dance steps.
From July 6 to July 08, 2025, Montego Bay will vibrate to the rhythm of the 49th CARICOM Summit, where the Heads of State and Government of member countries will meet to discuss the major challenges facing the region. Chaired by Andrew Holness, Prime Minister of Jamaica, the atmosphere at this year’s summit is both solemn and charged with urgency, as each delegation has come with high expectations in terms of food security, economic resilience, the Haitian crisis and, above all, the overhaul of regional logistics.
The corridors of the Montego Bay Convention Centre are buzzing with strategic conversations, while plenary sessions alternate with thematic workshops, giving each territory the chance to make its voice heard.
A demanding regional context
Right from the opening of the 49th CARICOM Summit, the tone was set: the Caribbean is going through a pivotal period. Successive speeches by representatives from Barbados, Trinidad & Tobago, Saint Lucia and Dominica highlighted the reality of logistical disruption, dependence on costly air transport and the fragility of supply chains. The debates were lively, with each head of delegation insisting on the need for concrete and immediate solutions. Behind-the-scenes exchanges testify to a shared determination to make this summit a decisive moment for the region.
The priorities of the Jamaican presidency
In his inaugural address, Andrew Holness reiterated the importance of strengthening cooperation and diversifying trade, while stressing the need for rapid responses to security and climate issues. His call for collective mobilization did not go unheeded: the 49th CARICOM Summit featured a series of round-table discussions on regional peace, the pooling of resources and the role of young people in building shared prosperity.
Mia Mottley: a plea for logistics transformation
One of the highlights of the 49th CARICOM Summit was the address by Mia Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados. With eloquence applauded by all participants, she painted a lucid picture of the logistical shortcomings holding back Caribbean development. Her voice, firm and poised, resonated in the auditorium as she spoke of the need for a “regional freight revolution”, stressing the urgent need to democratize transport and restore the sea to its historic role as a link between islands.
Concrete proposals for regional freight
Mia Mottley was not one to rest on her laurels. She announced that two CARICOM member states are in advanced negotiations to acquire cargo aircraft, an initiative she believes will help to fluidify trade and guarantee the supply of essential goods. She also mentioned the expected presentation of a private-sector-led regional ferry project, which could revolutionize connectivity between the islands. These announcements, made at the heart of the 49th CARICOM Summit, were greeted with thunderous applause, a sign that the logistics issue is at the heart of our collective concerns.
Political will at the heart of change
Mia Mottley took advantage of her platform to point out that the success of these projects depends above all on the political will of leaders. She fondly evoked memories of the Federal Maple and Federal Palm, symbols of a time when the sea united the peoples of the Caribbean. Her plea, echoed in several sessions of the 49th CARICOM Summit, found particular resonance with the delegations, who recognized the need to overcome institutional inertia to build a modern, resilient regional logistics system.
The concrete contributions of the 49th CARICOM Summit for member territories
Food security and trade fluidity
Food security was one of the key topics discussed at the 49th CARICOM Summit. Participants emphasized that the establishment of new sea and air links, such as those mentioned by Mia Mottley, will ensure a steady supply of agricultural produce and essential goods. The exchange of best practices between the Ministers of Agriculture and the Economy testifies to a shared desire to optimize logistics circuits and strengthen the food sovereignty of each territory.
Strengthening economic integration and resilience
Discussions on economic integration have highlighted the importance of pooling resources and diversifying trading partners. The 49th CARICOM Summit’s announcements of public and private investment in regional freight pave the way for enhanced cooperation, enabling member territories to better withstand external shocks, whether economic, health-related or climatic. The participants agree that this edition represents a crucial milestone on the road to shared prosperity.
Outlook for youth and innovation
Throughout the workshops, Caribbean youth and technological innovation took center stage. The initiatives presented, whether in training programs, student mobility or support for entrepreneurship, illustrate the determination of leaders to prepare the next generation and give young people the means to become part of the regional dynamic. These perspectives, discussed in depth at the 49th CARICOM Summit, point to new, concrete opportunities for young people.
The 49th CARICOM Summit, catalyst for a new regional era
In Montego Bay, the 49th CARICOM Summit continues in a studious and determined atmosphere. Led by the likes of Mia Mottley and Andrew Holness, the region is taking a decisive step towards modernizing its infrastructure and deepening its integration. The discussions, rich and sometimes passionate, bear witness to a collective determination to transform challenges into opportunities and build a sustainable future for all the people of the Caribbean.
📸 Photo gallery: relive the highlights of the opening ceremony ©CARICOM
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.
Richès Karayib met Geraine Georges, Public Relations Manager at the Saint Lucia Tourist Board, and Dexter Percil, Director of Global Marketing, at the 43ᵉ edition of the Caribbean Travel Marketplace held this year in Antigua. For these two strategic representatives of Saint Lucia tourism, the event is an opportunity to showcase the destination’s strengths, strengthen relations with their international partners, and also to launch their summer calendar and open their arms to the French-speaking Caribbean.
A strategic presence for Saint Lucia
For Geraine Georges, participating in the CHTA Marketplace is essential for promote the Saint Lucia brand and to maintain ties with existing partners while forging new ones.
“This event allows us to ensure the continuity of our relationships, but also to position ourselves in the global tourism space.”
On his side, Dexter Percil, Global Marketing Director, stresses the importance of market intelligence data, trends and insights into travel behavior. These are all elements that will guide Saint Lucia’s destination strategy.
“CHTA also gives us the opportunity to position our accommodation offering, and above all, to launch our summer campaign. “
A strong delegation and an assertive summer campaign
Saint Lucia came out in force. More than 20 hotel partners were present: Bay Gardens, The Landings, Ladera, Sugar Beach, Ti Kaye, Coconut Bay, Jade Mountain… to name but a few. All with the logistical support from Sunrise Airways providing transfers from Saint Lucia.
This massive presence was also an opportunity to officially launch the “Summer Saint Lucia Style” campaign in Antigua. “Summer Saint Lucia Style a new marketing offensive for summer 2025.
Flagship events 2025: between local traditions and regional bridges
Saint Lucia relies on a strong attractive summer calendar articulated around three highlights:
🎭 Lucian Carnival – Saint Lucia Carnival
🗓️ 01 – July 23rd, 2025
🎯 Parade, Calypso, Panorama, private parties
📍 Castries and festive areas of the island
A mainstay of the Saint Lucian summer, the Lucian Carnival takes place over several weeks, culminating in a two-day parade. Musical ambience, flamboyant costumes, sound systems and calypso competitions transform the island into a Caribbean party capital.
“We invite the whole Caribbean, and Martinique in particular, to come and enjoy this unforgettable experience.”
🎶 Martinique in Gros Islet – Franco-Creole street party
🗓️ Last weekend of July to early August 2025
🎯 Guest DJs from Martinique (DJ Payo & co), local gastronomy
📍 Gros Islet Street Party, north of Saint Lucia
Original initiative launched in 2024, Martinique in Gros Islet is back again this year. The concept: invite DJs and artists from Martinique to perform in the legendary setting of Saint Lucian street parties.
“The idea is to strengthen ties between French and English-speaking cultures around music, rum and good food.”
🌴 Creole Heritage Month & other highlights
🗓️ From October 2025
🎯 Creole culture, heritage events
📍 All over the island
In addition to summer, Sainte Lucie is preparing rich cultural season in autumn including Creole Heritage Month, the arrival of the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC) and other events focusing on Creole crafts, language and traditions.
A clear opening to the French-speaking Caribbean
Dexter Percil puts it bluntly: Martinique is a priority. And the objective is clear: to welcome more French-speaking visitors to Saint Lucia by capitalizing on geographic proximity, short flights and intense programming.
“Come for a weekend, a carnival or a concert… We guarantee labis, conchs, and unparalleled hospitality.”
A festive invitation to Caribbean unity
Through the dynamic presence of Geraine Georges and Dexter Percil, Saint Lucia has a dual ambition: to strengthen its international business connections while strengthening its regional links. This is a region where culture, festivities and gastronomy unite. Culture, festivities and gastronomy serve as a link here.
Richès Karayib met with Patrice Simon, Executive Director of the Antigua and Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association, on the occasion of the 43ᵉ edition of the Caribbean Travel Marketplace. For the first time, Antigua and Barbuda hosted this regional Caribbean tourism summit. A logistical challenge as much as a strong signal for a destination that wants to make its voice heard and strengthen its place in the regional tourism landscape. Interview with a key player in this successful event.
An exemplary host island
Patrice Simon makes no secret of her pride: Antigua & Barbuda has risen to the challenge. Welcome over 9,000 B2B meetings and delegates from all over the Caribbean was a first for this small island nation. Yet nothing was left to chance.
“It was a huge honor to host the Caribbean Travel Marketplace for the first time,” she emphasizes. “We showed that even a small island can host a big event with seriousness and professionalism.”
This success is based on between the private sector and public institutions: the Antigua and Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association, the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, and the Ministry of Tourism worked hand in hand, with the support of Minister Charles Max Fernandez. This synergy ensured a smooth organization and an excellent representation of the destination.
Enhancing the authenticity of Antigua and Barbuda
Far from being content with a classic showcase, the host delegation wanted to more than just its famous beaches..
“Everyone knows the slogan ‘365 beaches, one for every day of the year’,” recalls Patrice Simon. “But we also wanted to show that the richness of Antigua and Barbuda lies in its people, its culture and its cuisine.
The message is clear: the country wants to assert its plural identity beyond postcard images. By hosting the CHTA 2025, the destination also hopes to strengthen its appeal to industry professionals, by focusing on the human and cultural experience.
Regional impetus for the future
For Patrice Simon, this event represents a turning point. This is not just a local success, but a signal to the entire Caribbean: small states can also be at the heart of regional strategy.
“The level of exchange, information and collaboration was exceptional. We hope it will inspire other destinations to get involved with the same enthusiasm.”
Patrice Simon is already looking ahead to future editions, and is ready to continue the work already underway, particularly in the field of regional tourism integration.
A Caribbean of synergies
Through Patrice Simon’s enthusiasm, a whole vision of Caribbean tourism takes shape: inclusive, rooted in local realities, supported by solid public-private partnerships. CHTA 2025 in Antigua and Barbuda will have marked an important milestone for the island’s visibility, but also for the recognition of the role that each territory can play in the sector’s collective development.
Richès Karayib continues his series of interviews with figures from the Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2025. To be continued…
Richès Karayib met with Craig Marshall, Regional Director of Blue Diamond Resorts, President of the Antigua and Barbuda Hotels Association, and Vice-President of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA). A key figure in the organization of the Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2025. Craig Marshall shares with us his thoughts on this historic edition, Antigua and Barbuda’s ambitions for the future, and the importance of a collective voice within Caribbean tourism.
A strategic turning point for Antigua and Barbuda
For Craig Marshall, the success of this event is not an accident. It’s the result of an intense collaboration between the public and private sectors, notably between the Antigua and Barbuda Hotels Association and the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority.
“This is the first time such a small territory has hosted the region’s largest tourism forum,” he points out. “It shows that our organizational capacity far exceeds our demographic size.”
With this year’s event, Antigua is now on the map of potential hosts for larger international events. An assertive strategy.
An island now ready for major world events
The Caribbean Travel Marketplace is just the beginning. In June 2025, Antigua will host the OAS forum with delegations from the Americas. And in 2026, the island will host King Charles, Queen Camilla and Commonwealth Heads of State at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).
“These appointments confirm that we are entering a new phase. We are capable of hosting major diplomatic events, in addition to tourism events,” says Craig Marshall.
This positioning reinforces Antigua’s status as a regional hub for regional hub for political, economic and tourism dialogue.
📍 Details of the OAS forum
- Dates : June 25-27, 2025.
- Location : AUA Conference and Learning Centre, University Park, St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda.
- Theme : Building resilient and inclusive economies in the Americas.
This theme underlines the importance of resilience and inclusiveness in meeting the challenges faced by member states, large and small, with an emphasis on sustained and collective action.
A Caribbean voice strengthened by unity
Highly committed to the CHTA, Craig Marshall also stresses the importance of association membership for industry professionals. The work carried out around customs duties and regional advocacy shows the relevance of a collective voice.
“We need to speak with one voice. The more of us there are, the more that voice carries,” he insists. “The CHTA doesn’t just organize events: it defends our common interests.”
When asked to sum up the main benefit for members in one word, he answers without hesitation: growth.
A united and ambitious Caribbean
In Craig Marshall’s words, a dynamic is confirmed: that of a structured, united Caribbean structured, united, focused on action and influence. In addition to being a beautiful destination, Antigua & Barbuda now aims to be a a key player in regional and global trade. And the Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2025 will have been the signal.
Richès Karayib continues to bring you a behind-the-scenes look at this event through the testimonials of those who are building the Caribbean tourism of today and tomorrow.
Richès Karayib went to meet Vanessa Ledesma, CEO of the CHTA (Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association) on the occasion of the 43ᵉ edition of the Caribbean Travel Marketplace held in Antigua and Barbuda from May 18 to 22, 2025. This flagship B2B tourism event in the region brought together suppliers, tour operators, institutions and experts around a common goal: to structure the future of Caribbean tourism. Exclusive interview on current challenges, future prospects and collective levers.
An essential platform for inter-Caribbean dialogue
Vanessa Ledesma opened the conversation with a reminder of the central role played by the CHTA (Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association) in the regional tourism ecosystem. With over 9,300 business meetings in two days between 25 Caribbean destinations and operators from 16 outbound markets. The event reflects a clear determination to : to strengthen commercial partnerships and collaboration between players in the field.
“It’s the must-attend B2B event for the Caribbean hotel and tourism sector,” she explains. “It not only allows you to forge relationships, but also to structure them around marketing strategies, product development and visibility.”
The quality of the exchanges, praised by the participants, marks a break with previous years. The sector is demonstrating increased maturity, in a context where agility has become an imperative.
Geopolitical challenges and market diversification
When asked about current challenges, Vanessa Ledesma points to a major uncertainty linked to the geopolitical situation in the United States the leading outbound market to the Caribbean. A slight decline in demand has been observed, prompting regional players to reorient their strategy towards Canada, Latin America but also towards a revival of intra-Caribbean tourism still fragile since the pandemic.
“We’re seeing growing interest from markets such as Brazil, Colombia and Quebec. We need to capitalize on this momentum, while facilitating air and sea connections in the region,” emphasizes Vanessa Ledesma.
This vision is in line with a logic of resilience and openness which could reshuffle the tourist industry’s deck in years to come.
Towards a stronger, more supportive and better-trained sector
In addition to this annual event, Vanessa Ledesma emphasizes the CHTA’s structural role in supporting the private sector. Advocacy, business intelligence, training, sustainability, accessibility: “these are just some of the services we offer our members.”
“The stronger our network, the more our collective voice is heard in the face of local, regional or international issues.”
She also invites all professionals to join the association to benefit from these resources and actively participate in the transformation of Caribbean tourism. The CHTA does not limit itself to events, but also acts on a day-to-day basis, notably through initiatives such as the Direct Booking Summit which aims to improve the digital autonomy of hotel operators.
The Caribbean on the move
The interview with Vanessa Ledesma perfectly illustrates a Caribbean in search of tourism sovereignty, market diversification and skills development.. Through a collective, proactive and structured approach, the CHTA is helping to shape a more sustainable, inclusive and successful Caribbean tourism industry.
Richès Karayib will continue this exploration of the industry’s voices through further exclusive interviews conducted during Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2025.
