Friday, June 6, 2025

The Tobago Tourism Agency Limited (TTAL) made a notable impact at the 43rd Annual Caribbean Travel Marketplace (CTM) held in Antigua and Barbuda from May 18–22, 2025. This event, organized by the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), is recognized as the region’s most significant travel trade event, attracting over 1,000 delegates from all corners of the globe each year.

The Caribbean Travel Marketplace provides a platform for tourism stakeholders to engage in high-level business discussions, exchange insights, and form strategic partnerships that drive tourism growth across the Caribbean. TTAL’s participation in this influential event underscored the Agency’s commitment to elevating Tobago’s visibility and reinforcing its position as a premier Caribbean destination.

The event’s format, which combines one-on-one business appointments, media interviews, and group discussions, allowed TTAL to directly engage with key international buyers, tour operators, airlines, hoteliers, and wholesalers.

This engagement offered TTAL an exceptional opportunity to showcase Tobago’s diverse tourism offerings, from eco-tourism and cultural heritage to diving and wellness tourism.

It also provided a chance to introduce Tobago’s unique tourism proposition, emphasizing its role as a destination for experiential and slow travel, where visitors can enjoy authentic, immersive experiences away from the commercialized offerings found in many other global travel destinations.

TTAL’s presence at CTM 2025 was centered around the theme “Tobago Beyond Ordinary,” highlighting the island’s distinct tourism offerings that appeal to a growing global demand for authenticity and meaningful travel experiences. With the world increasingly moving towards sustainable travel and seeking destinations that offer something different from mass tourism, Tobago’s marketing strategy is crafted to appeal to those looking for tranquillity, cultural immersion, and unique adventures in nature.

One of the primary aspects that TTAL focused on at the event was the island’s thriving eco-tourism sector. Tobago is home to several protected natural environments, including the iconic Main Ridge Forest Reserve, which is the oldest protected rainforest in the Western Hemisphere. For visitors looking to connect with nature, the island offers unparalleled experiences in hiking, birdwatching, and diving in one of the world’s top spots for coral reefs.

Additionally, TTAL highlighted Tobago’s wellness tourism offerings, which combine the island’s natural beauty with rejuvenating experiences such as yoga retreats, spa treatments, and organic farm-to-table dining experiences.

Tobago’s cultural heritage was another significant theme at the Marketplace. TTAL emphasized the island’s rich traditions and cultural offerings, including the island’s annual festivals, local arts and crafts, and its unique Afro-Caribbean heritage.

The opportunity to engage with the international travel trade at CTM allowed TTAL to effectively convey how visitors could immerse themselves in Tobago’s heritage through curated experiences, such as visits to historic sites, cultural tours, and interactions with local artisans.

At CTM 2025, TTAL emphasized Tobago’s appeal as a premier destination for slow travel, focusing on its rich offerings in eco-tourism, cultural heritage, soft adventure, diving, and wellness. This approach aligns with the growing global interest in authentic and immersive travel experiences. TTAL’s participation in knowledge-sharing sessions provided valuable insights into emerging global tourism trends and evolving consumer behaviors, which will inform the Agency’s marketing and product development strategies .

TTAL’s engagement at CTM 2025 reflects a broader strategy to strengthen Tobago’s presence in the global tourism market. By fostering collaborations with international partners and staying attuned to industry trends, TTAL aims to enhance Tobago’s competitiveness and appeal to a diverse range of travelers. The insights gained from the event will play a crucial role in shaping future marketing campaigns and tourism initiatives.

TTAL’s active participation in the 43rd Annual Caribbean Travel Marketplace marks a significant step in advancing Tobago’s tourism agenda. Through strategic engagements and a focus on authentic travel experiences, Tobago is poised to attract discerning travelers seeking unique and enriching destinations.