Following the successful hosting f the 4 th Conference of Small Islands Developing
States (SIDS4) in May this year, the government has been aggressively marketing
Antigua and Barbuda as a venue for international conferences and meetings.
Prime Minister Gaston Browne revealed that the SIDS4 conference drew over
3,000 participants, including 22 Heads of State, and delivered the landmark
outcome – the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS (ABAS).
“The SIDS Conference significantly boosted tourism during a typically slow
period, benefiting hotels, businesses, and service providers, while elevating our
country’s global profile. SIDS was good for Antigua and Barbuda.
“Building on this momentum, Antigua and Barbuda has been selected to host
several other major conferences,” he indicated.
Among the events already planned for Antigua and Barbuda is the 43 rd Annual
Caribbean Travel Marketplace in May next year, to be held for the first time in the
Eastern Caribbean. This event, he added, will bring leading hospitality players for
buyer-seller appointments and networking.
“The 55th General Assembly of the Organization of American States in June 2025:
This prestigious event, which will attract participation of Foreign Ministers from
more than 40 countries, bringing an expected 2,000 participants, filling hotels and
continuing employment.
“The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in 2026: This biennial
summit of 56 leaders of Commonwealth nations, will be the largest conference
Antigua and Barbuda has ever hosted,” he explained.
PM Browne expects that there will be close to 6,000 delegates at the Meeting and
its side events. Every hotel will be full, and our service industry suppliers will be
fully engaged.
Additionally, the media coverage for each of these events will give Antigua and
Barbuda and its attractions considerable exposure all over the world.
“Clearly, Antigua and Barbuda is respected globally and is fast emerging as a
diplomatic centre in the Caribbean,” he emphasized.
