Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2026: May 12-15 in Antigua
The 44th Caribbean Travel Marketplace returns to Antigua and Barbuda from May 12 to 15, with registration now open through the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association. Presented by CHTA, Marketplace is the region’s largest tourism trade forum, bringing together tour operators, wholesalers, travel advisors and Caribbean hospitality stakeholders.
CHTA President Sanovnik Destang said Marketplace remains “critical for industry professionals, especially as the region navigates shifting traveler expectations, policy changes, and market trends.” Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority CEO Colin C. James said the event “brings direct business to the region while allowing us to showcase the culture, hospitality, and connectivity that define our destination.”
The event will include structured business appointments, media engagement, and opportunities for destinations to present new developments. Antigua last hosted in 2025, drawing broad participation from regional and international tourism partners.
Minimum wage rises to EC$11.50
The minimum wage rose from EC$9 to EC$11.50 per hour effective April 1, part of a phased plan to eventually reach EC$13. The Cabinet also approved an interim 5 percent salary increase for public servants, effective end of March 2026, “to provide immediate relief while negotiations on a broader compensation package continue.” A temporary 0 percent tax on food and school supplies ran April 10-11 to ease costs as schools reopened after Easter.
Parliament dissolved — election ahead
Antigua’s parliament has dissolved ahead of general elections, joining Bahamas as the second Caricom nation heading to polls in May. The political calendar this year follows the heavy elections cycle that defined 2025 across the region.
CBI: 30-day physical residency now in effect
Antigua and Barbuda has enacted a 30-day physical residency requirement for Citizenship by Investment applicants, following Trump administration restrictions and severe visa restrictions imposed on Antiguan and Dominican citizens from January. From January 21, citizens of the two nations must post travel bonds of between $5,000-$15,000 to apply for U.S. travel visas.
The residency reform tightens the program’s “genuine link” framework. Saint Kitts, Saint Lucia and Grenada retain ten-year multiple-entry terms; only Antigua and Dominica face the U.S. visa downgrade.
In other news
Antigua and Barbuda Culinary Month 2026 runs through May, showcasing Caribbean cuisine, top chefs, and Restaurant Week experiences across the islands. Antigua Yacht Club hosted strong-turnout 2026 Budget Marine ILCA and Optimist Open Regatta.
Sport
Beach volleyball: Senior teams from St. Kitts, Grenada, Dominica, Antigua, Bermuda, St. Vincent, Anguilla, Sint Maarten and host Saint Lucia competed at the May 1-3 ECVA Senior Beach Volleyball Championship.
Tradewinds Brief covers twelve Caribbean countries every publishing day. For the diaspora — what’s happening back home and what it means for you.