The Caribbean Travel Marketplace (CTM) 2025, held in vibrant Antigua, was more than just a trade event; it was a dynamic convergence of the region’s most passionate and forward-thinking tourism leaders. Live video coverage from Breaking Travel News offered powerful insights into the challenges and opportunities shaping Caribbean tourism. At the core of this year’s dialogue were themes of resilience, reinvention, and collaboration, with each interview showcasing a unique facet of the Caribbean’s diverse tourism ecosystem.
National tourism heads, including Ronella Croes (Aruba), Louis Lewis (Saint Lucia), Andrea Franklin (Barbados), Latia Duncombe (The Bahamas), Kelly Fontanelle (St. Kitts), Sandra Orr Toney (Tobago), Gary Hendricks Dominguez (Cayman Islands), and Philip Rose (Jamaica), highlighted their strategic priorities, from sustainable tourism and digital transformation to product diversification, aviation connectivity, and destination rebranding.
Leaders in destination marketing and events, such as Denar Brown (Montego Bay Convention Center) and T’Sa Michael (Caribbean Lifestyle Services), discussed MICE tourism potential and empowering small businesses. The hospitality sector was strongly represented by voices like Kerisha Fisher Forbes (Round Hill Hotel and Villas), Crescenzia Biemans (Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort Aruba), Lorna Francis (Rabot Hotel by Hotel Chocolat), Cameron Fraser (Moon Gate Hotel & Spa), and Gerald Buck (Elite Island Resorts), emphasizing personalized service, sustainability, and unique brand storytelling.
Emerging and supporting voices like Miranda Doyle (Intimate Hotels of Barbados), Avlin Taylor (Coco Reef Resorts), Donna Munroe (Grand Bahama Island Promotion Board), and George Hunter (Posadas) added valuable perspectives on supporting independent properties, connecting legacy brands with new travelers, recovery narratives, and expanding partnerships.
Finally, Vanessa Ledesma, CEO of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), provided a holistic industry view, championing regional collaboration, innovation, digital acceleration, and workforce development. CTM 2025 unequivocally demonstrated that the Caribbean is not just ready for the future of tourism, but is actively leading the way with its blend of culture, community, and forward-thinking travel strategies.
