The 43rd Caribbean Travel Marketplace, hosted for the first time by Antigua and Barbuda, brought together the region’s tourism powerhouses and international buyers in a vibrant showcase of what’s next for business and incentive travel across the Caribbean. Organised by the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), the event highlighted not just destination development but also upcoming major events that make these islands must-consider locations for MICE planners in 2025 and beyond.
Here’s your updated Caribbean MICE travel brief — complete with key event dates to watch.
View Investment Properties for Sale in Barbados
Antigua and Barbuda
With brand-new MICE infrastructure including a multi-purpose conference centre at AUA and upgraded airport terminals, Antigua and Barbuda is event-ready.
Key 2025 Events:
- Organisation of American States Conference – 1,500 delegates
- Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting – 5,000 delegates
Add to that: 365 beaches, AI-powered arrivals, luxury resorts, and cultural gems like Carnival (July–August) and culinary festivals throughout the year — ideal for agenda add-ons.
Barbados
Traditionally a leisure hotspot, Barbados is now doubling down on B2B and group travel with robust hotel capacity and exciting new developments.
Key 2025 Events:
- Connect Barbados – 23–26 June 2025: A B2B event connecting international buyers with local tourism stakeholders.
- CARIFESTA – 22–31 August 2025: The region’s premier festival celebrating Caribbean arts, perfect for culture-infused incentive travel.
New hotels like the Indigo Hotel (132 rooms) and the boutique Blue Mountain Hotel (28 suites) complement a growing number of venues including Haymans Market, ideal for immersive local experiences.
View Investment Properties for Sale in Barbados
Dominica
Known for eco-luxury and immersive travel, Dominica is leaning into its green identity with big projects and unique natural venues.
Key 2025 Launches & Events:
- Boiling Lake Cable Car – Opens December 2025: Turns a 6-hour hike into a 20-minute scenic journey — a game-changer for adventure incentive groups.
- Geothermal Power Milestone – End of 2025: 50% of peak energy will be generated from geothermal sources, positioning Dominica as a model for sustainable event hosting.
Jamaica
With a dedicated MICE team, Jamaica is building on its momentum with major hotel expansions and process upgrades.
Key 2025 Events:
- Land X-Change Conference – Already hosted successfully; future editions to be confirmed, but the format is ideal for destination inspiration.
Ongoing upgrades at airports (e-gates cutting wait times by 50%) and a pipeline of new properties (Princess Grand Jamaica, Planet Hollywood, Unico Hotel, Dreams Resort) strengthen its appeal for both large and mid-scale events.
Anguilla
Anguilla is aligning itself with wellness, exclusivity, and digital innovation.
Key 2025 Milestones:
- Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport Expansion – Completion by end of 2025: Includes a 50,000 sq ft terminal for improved regional access.
- .ai Tech Conference Retreats – Dates TBD: Leveraging the .ai domain boom, the island is planning to host future tech and digital nomad events.
The Aurora Anguilla Resort & Golf Club remains the flagship venue for conferences and incentive travel.
View Investment Properties for Sale in Barbados
Cayman Islands
Targeting the UK market with renewed energy, the Cayman Islands is prepping for a strong MICE surge.
Upcoming Venue Highlight:
- Grand Hyatt Cayman – Opening 2026: Will offer a 13,440 sq ft ballroom and private beach event space.
Meanwhile, Cocktail Week (October) and Restaurant Month (November) provide perfect incentive hooks for food and beverage-driven programs.
Saint Lucia
With a strong tourism strategy and a new 2,000-capacity conference centre in progress, Saint Lucia is setting its sights on large-scale business events.
No fixed 2025 events have been announced yet, but the Tourism Authority’s shift to targeting MICE and new sustainability incentives make it one to watch.
Turks and Caicos
Positioning itself as a luxury MICE option, Turks and Caicos is developing an AI-powered planning portal and welcoming global hotel brands soon.
While dates for upcoming events are TBC, planners should note:
- Events can be customised at high-end venues like Grace Bay Club and upcoming resorts.
- Hotel Indigo and Kempinski properties expected to open in the near future.
View Investment Properties for Sale in Barbados
U.S. Virgin Islands
Culturally rich and visually stunning, the USVI is focusing on creative, small-to-mid-scale incentives.
Key Cultural Highlights:
- Cultural & Culinary Festivals – Ongoing throughout the year: Great options for planners seeking offbeat, locally inspired programming.
Limited UK access is balanced by active PR outreach and a strong destination narrative centred on culture and cuisine.
Bahamas
A proven powerhouse for mega MICE gatherings, the Bahamas offers world-class infrastructure and accessibility.
Key 2025 Opportunities:
- People-to-People Programme – Offers culturally immersive group hosting for up to 200 attendees.
- While no major 2025-specific events are named, its resume includes hosting Routes Americas and supporting over 30 annual festivals, ideal for weaving into incentive or group travel programmes.
The Caribbean is evolving — fast. With tech upgrades, sustainable strategies, and bold investments in infrastructure and experience, it’s not just a tropical escape but a business events powerhouse. For planners seeking fresh options in 2025 and beyond, now’s the time to reimagine the Caribbean.
View all of our Properties for Sale in Barbados
