• May 27, 2025

Unlocking the Caribbean: Key Takeaways for Event Planners from the Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2025

Unlocking the Caribbean: Key Takeaways for Event Planners from the Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2025

Unlocking the Caribbean: Key Takeaways for Event Planners from the Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2025 1024 683 micebook.

Last week, Antigua and Barbuda proudly hosted the 43rd edition of the Caribbean Travel Marketplace, marking the first time the twin-island nation has welcomed the flagship B2B tourism event. Organised by the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), the Marketplace brought together global buyers, hoteliers, DMCs, and tourism boards for a week of one-to-one meetings, destination showcases, and regional updates.

Recognised as the Caribbean’s most important platform for driving travel and event business, the annual Marketplace offers a valuable opportunity to explore what’s new across the islands, from infrastructure investments to sustainable initiatives and incentive experiences. Carl Gordon, Director, Government, Strategic Growth, English Caribbean at Mastercard, said: The #2 amazing resource that we have in the region is our beaches, sun, sand and sea – but number one is us, the people.”

Shannon Skeels attended on behalf of micebook to capture the latest intel for MICE planners in 2025 and beyond…

Antigua and Barbuda

With a new multi-purpose conference centre at AUA, upgraded airport facilities, and capacity to host events of up to 5,000 delegates, the island is ready for international business. Upcoming highlights include the Organisation of American States (1500 delegates) and Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (5000 delegates), solidifying its credentials as a high-level event destination. For planners, it offers direct UK flights from London, 365 beaches, luxury resorts, and a streamlined AI-powered arrival process. Cultural experiences like Carnival, culinary festivals, and farm-to-table dining will add colour to any agenda, while competitive rates make this emerging MICE destination both appealing and accessible.

The Turks and Caicos Islands

With the UK as its third-largest source market, Turks and Caicos is gaining ground as a luxury destination for high-end MICE events. Efforts by the Tourism Board, Experience Turks and Caicos are increasing to attract international event planners. A new AI-powered booking website is in development to streamline planning, while the islands boast a strong selection of hotels, with major names like Kempinski and Hotel Indigo set to open in the near future. Consistently recognised for its beaches and luxury appeal, Turks and Caicos offers not only a unique destination but also the quality and exclusivity to host some unforgettable incentives.

Saint Lucia

Saint Lucia is also making bold moves into the MICE space, with a new 2,000-capacity conference centre underway, which aims to attract large-scale international events. The Saint Lucia Tourism Authority is actively targeting business tourism, focusing not just on volume but on meaningful, well-rounded delegate experiences. New government incentives are in support of  sustainable venue development and use of local materials. With luxury resorts offering meeting facilities, a rising wellness tourism scene, and a reputation for sustainable, inclusive experiences, Saint Lucia offers both the infrastructure alongside cultural charm, ideal for planners seeking both scale and soul.

US Virgin Isles

The U.S. Virgin Islands is another destination actively expanding its international reach. While direct flight access is currently limited from the UK, the destination is strengthening its global presence through PR representation and promotion of meetings and incentives as a key tourism segment. The islands offer a diverse mix of venues and a calendar full of festivals and cultural events. It boasts several culinary and travel awards, which add to its appeal, especially for incentive travel or creative event design. Positioning itself as more than just a beach destination, the USVI is leaning into its culture, cuisine, and natural beauty.

Cayman Islands

The Cayman Islands are another destination keen to ramp up their efforts to attract UK MICE business, and have introduced a refreshed market strategy and new appointments, including Joanna Walding as Business Development Manager for UK & Europe. Backed by five weekly British Airways flights year-round, the UK market, which is already known for longer stays, is a growing priority. On the horizon, the islands are preparing to launch a dedicated MICE programme, while also enhancing travel trade training to better serve planners. Venue offerings are expanding too, with the Grand Hyatt opening in 2026 featuring a 9,900 sq ft Grand Ballroom and a entire beach space available for events. With dozens of event spaces, a strong culinary scene, and standout group-friendly events like Cocktail Week and Restaurant Month, the Cayman Islands is ready to welcome business travellers.

Dominica

Positioning itself as a distinctive, eco-conscious destination for MICE and incentive travel, Dominica is actively targeting the UK market with a focus on cultural authenticity, sustainability, and nature-driven experiences. Whilst infrastructure is expanding, including a new international airport (opening 2027) and the $201 million marina project, the island already offers unique venues for events, from natural wonders like Trafalgar Falls to a cable car which will turn a 6-hour trek into a smooth 20-minute journey (opening December 2025). Cultural venues like the Kalinago Territory add depth for immersive group experiences. By the end of 2025, geothermal energy will power 50% of the islands peak energy demand, making it the ideal destination for eco-resorts. With a clear commitment to sustainable tourism, Dominica stands out for planners seeking responsible, meaningful programs. 

Jamaica

With a dedicated MICE department and a growing track record for hosting international buyers, including a recent Land X-Change conference, Jamaica is already a serious player in the incentive and business events space. Infrastructure upgrades are still taking priority, with airport e-gates cutting arrival processing times by 50%, and ongoing improvements to the electrical grid, water systems, and airport facilities. There’s several more large-scale hotels in the works, such as the Princess Grand Jamaica (2,000 rooms) and Planet Hollywood (650 rooms), as well as mid-size properties including Unico Hotel and Dreams Resort. The Jamaica Tourist Board is actively collaborating with hotels to support MICE bookings, whether that be boutique venues or full-scale resorts.

Anguilla

Anguilla has also been increasing its appeal to the MICE industry. The expansion of Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport, which includes a new 50,000 sq ft passenger terminal and improved regional connectivity, is set to be completed by 2025. For larger events, the standout venue is the Aurora Anguilla Resort & Golf Club, a 300-acre luxury resort featuring 178 suites and villas, an amphitheatre, fine dining, and the Caribbean’s only Greg Norman-designed golf course. The island is also positioning itself as a future hub for AI retreats and digital conferences, leveraging its .ai domain success. It’s an ideal destination for small to mid-sized conferences and exclusive incentive escapes, combining privacy, wellness, and a growing tech-forward identity.

Barbados

While traditionally known for its leisure appeal, Barbados is showing signs of increased focus on B2B and group travel, with events like Connect Barbados (23–26 June) offering international tourism partners a hands-on opportunity to explore the island’s potential for MICE programmes. The island features a strong accommodation base with around 6,000 hotel rooms and 13,000 vacation rental rooms, bolstered by new developments such as the 132-room Indigo Hotel and the boutique Blue Mountain Hotel, which offers 28 suites. Emerging venues like Haymans Market and cultural calendar highlights like Carifesta (22–31 August) add extra appeal for planners seeking destination-driven event experiences. 

Bahamas

This group of islands has a proven track record hosting major international events, such as Routes Americas, and has firmly established itself as a top-tier destination for large-scale MICE gatherings. The country offers robust infrastructure and continues to attract significant investment, with multiple modern conference-ready properties and resorts. It’s home to 20 international airports and with its strong global connectivity, the Bahamas ensures easy access for delegates around the world. Its islands offer incredible diversity, making it ideal for everything from board meetings to large conferences and incentive escapes. Cultural experiences like the People-to-People programme (which can host groups of up to 200), plus over 30 annual festivals, are perfect for adding culture and authenticity to any event. 

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