Antigua and Barbuda Hosts 2025 Travel Agency Owners Forum, Strengthening U.S. Tourism Ties: Everything You Need to Know

Published on November 14, 2025

In a groundbreaking move, Antigua and Barbuda successfully hosted the 2025 Travel Agency Owners Forum, a high-profile event that took place from October 25–29, 2025. The forum, held at the Pineapple Beach Club Antigua and The Verandah All-Inclusive Resorts, welcomed 70 U.S.-based travel agency owners, collectively representing over US$800 million in annual bookings. This landmark event signals the destination’s rising profile in the global travel market, especially within the lucrative U.S. leisure travel sector.

Setting the Stage for Tourism Growth

The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA), in partnership with Travel Show Marketing Group, hosted the forum, marking the first time such an event of this magnitude was held outside the U.S. and in the Caribbean. The forum provided an invaluable platform for U.S. travel agency owners to directly connect with local suppliers, learn about new tourism offerings, and engage in face-to-face networking.

By bringing this event to Antigua and Barbuda, the islands positioned themselves as a serious player in the global tourism market. Travel agency owners—representing over 900 frontline sellers with a significant portion of their bookings directed to the Caribbean—now have direct exposure to the destination’s resorts, activities, and local culture. This provides the perfect opportunity to not only strengthen the islands’ current tourism market but also boost future bookings and partnerships.

What the Forum Included

Over the four-day event, participants were immersed in B2B meetings, giving them the opportunity to meet with local suppliers and explore a range of tourism offerings in the destination. These sessions allowed the agencies to gain critical insights into how they can better sell Antigua and Barbuda as a top-tier travel destination.

Educational panels also played a significant role, covering essential business topics, such as agency management, legal issues, and marketing strategies, to ensure travel agency owners can remain competitive and well-informed in an ever-changing industry.

The forum didn’t stop at meetings and lectures. Participants were treated to immersive “in-destination” experiences, including cultural excursions, resort site visits, and demonstrations showcasing the best of Antigua and Barbuda. Notable resorts participating included Hammock Cove Antigua, Royalton Resort and Spa, and Sandals Grande Antigua, offering a first-hand look at what travelers can expect.

Strengthening Ties with U.S. Travel Agencies

With Antigua and Barbuda becoming the focal point for such a prestigious event, it strengthens its tourism ties with the U.S., an essential market for the islands. The event’s success can help position the twin-island nation as a premium destination for high-value U.S. travelers seeking luxury escapes in the Caribbean.

According to Dean Fenton, the U.S. Director of ABTA, the event underscored how Antigua and Barbuda offers “incredible hospitality” and a wealth of high-end travel experiences. His statement reflects the tourism authority’s goal of creating a long-term relationship with the U.S. market.

The presence of such influential industry leaders further elevates Antigua and Barbuda on the map. Jim Cloonan, President & CEO of Travel Show Marketing Group, pointed out that the delegates represented over US$800 million in global leisure travel bookings, with a strong percentage directed to the Caribbean, directly benefiting the destination.

Impact on Tourism and Future Prospects

The significance of this forum extends far beyond just the immediate meetings. Antigua and Barbuda now has increased visibility in the eyes of some of the most influential travel agents in the world. Through direct exposure to key decision-makers and their networks, the islands are poised to see a rise in visitor numbers, particularly from the U.S., which remains one of the top international markets.

Moreover, the forum allows Antigua and Barbuda to leverage partnerships with key travel agencies, creating long-term business relationships that will help sustain a steady flow of tourists year after year. This event is not only a momentous occasion for the tourism sector but also serves as a gateway to future investments in local tourism infrastructure.

A Boost to the Caribbean Travel Market

By hosting the forum, Antigua and Barbuda have firmly placed themselves on the global travel industry map. The Caribbean region continues to be a top destination for U.S. leisure travelers, and events like this allow for direct engagement and collaboration. As Antigua and Barbuda showcases its offerings and builds relationships with travel agencies, the forum’s success sets a precedent for the region’s ability to host similar events in the future.

For the Caribbean at large, this event underscores the region’s capacity to attract large-scale business and tourism gatherings, potentially paving the way for more forums, conferences, and trade shows in the future, further boosting local economies and solidifying the Caribbean’s position as a leading tourist destination.

Overview

In summary, Antigua and Barbuda’s hosting of the 2025 Travel Agency Owners Forum has placed the islands firmly on the global tourism stage. By bringing influential U.S. agency owners directly to the destination, the islands have enhanced their reputation as a luxury tourism destination and laid the groundwork for future growth in the leisure travel market. With increased visibility, strong networking, and a focus on long-term partnerships, Antigua and Barbuda are poised to see significant tourism growth in the years to come.

Looking Ahead

The 2025 Travel Agency Owners Forum has not only proven to be a remarkable success for Antigua and Barbuda, but also a major milestone for the Caribbean as a whole. The islands’ commitment to cultivating a robust relationship with the U.S. market through direct exposure, innovative marketing, and valuable networking signals a bright future for their tourism sector. As a result, Antigua and Barbuda are set to see a surge in bookings, enhanced visibility, and a stronger position in the global tourism market.