Antigua and Barbuda to host CTO tourism conference in 2027

The Caribbean Tourism Organization has chosen Antigua and Barbuda to host its State of the Tourism Industry Conference from Oct. 4-8, 2027. The move brings the region’s top tourism policy forum to the twin-island nation as Caribbean leaders prepare to debate competitiveness, sustainability and growth.

Why it matters: - SOTIC is the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s flagship tourism forum. - Hosting the 2027 conference gives Antigua and Barbuda a regional stage to showcase its tourism product. - The event is expected to draw tourism officials, private-sector leaders, academics, media and other stakeholders from across the Caribbean and beyond.

What happened: - The Caribbean Tourism Organization announced that Antigua and Barbuda will host the 2027 State of the Tourism Industry Conference, or SOTIC, from Oct. 4-8, 2027. - The announcement came on the final day of SOTIC 2026 in Georgetown, Guyana. - Dona Regis-Prosper, CTO secretary-general and CEO, said Antigua and Barbuda’s commitment to tourism development and regional collaboration made it a strong choice. - Charles “Max” Fernandez, Antigua and Barbuda’s minister of tourism, civil aviation, transportation and investments, welcomed the decision. - Colin James, CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority and chair of the CTO Board of Directors, said the destination looks forward to hosting delegates and highlighting local experiences.

The details: - SOTIC 2026 in Georgetown brought together tourism ministers, commissioners and directors of tourism, private-sector executives, regional and international partners, academics, media, young people and other industry stakeholders. - Regis-Prosper said each SOTIC creates an opportunity to examine industry issues, share knowledge and strengthen partnerships. - Fernandez said Antigua and Barbuda will use the conference to show the continued evolution and advancement of its tourism product. - Fernandez also said the country is committed to working with regional partners to strengthen tourism as a force for shared prosperity, resilience and opportunity. - James said SOTIC will give delegates a chance to experience Antigua and Barbuda while taking part in conversations about the future of Caribbean tourism. - CTO thanked the government of Guyana and its tourism partners for hosting SOTIC 2026. - CTO said moving the conference to Antigua and Barbuda reflects its commitment to taking the flagship event across the region. - More details on SOTIC 2027, including the theme, program, registration and accommodations, will be announced in the coming months.

Between the lines: - The selection reinforces Antigua and Barbuda’s role inside CTO at a moment when the country’s tourism minister has also been elected CTO chairman. - CTO is using SOTIC rotation to spread visibility and engagement across member destinations, not keep the event in one location. - The conference remains a venue for policy alignment as Caribbean destinations compete for visitors, investment and long-term resilience.

What's next: - CTO will release the SOTIC 2027 theme, agenda, registration details and lodging information in the coming months. - Antigua and Barbuda will prepare to host regional and international tourism stakeholders in October 2027. - SOTIC 2027 is expected to continue discussions on competitiveness, sustainability and inclusive growth in Caribbean tourism.

The bottom line: - Antigua and Barbuda will get the Caribbean tourism sector’s attention in 2027, with SOTIC serving as both a policy summit and a showcase for the destination.