Antigua and Barbuda is seeking to establish itself as the conference capital of the Caribbean as the government moves to diversify the country’s tourism industry beyond the traditional sun, sea and sand market.

Carlon Knight, a member of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting Business Forum Task Force, said hosting major international gatherings forms part of the government’s broader economic strategy.

“That’s the vision of the prime minister and the government of Antigua and Barbuda. We must become the conference capital of the Caribbean and the conference capital of the wider Western Hemisphere,” Knight said.

He said the country has steadily expanded its capacity to stage large international events, having hosted the fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States in 2024 and the Organization of American States General Assembly in 2025.

Antigua and Barbuda will host CHOGM from Oct. 30 to Nov. 6, bringing delegates from the Commonwealth’s 56 member countries to the twin-island state.

Knight said conference tourism could provide a competitive advantage while generating business for hotels, Airbnb operators, restaurants, vendors, entertainers and transportation providers.

He noted that organizers have insisted delegates use accommodation on the island instead of being housed aboard cruise ships, ensuring that more of the economic benefits remain within the local economy.

“All the Caribbean islands have sun, sea and sand in terms of their tourism product,” Knight said. “Where do you find those niche areas where Antigua and Barbuda can gain a competitive advantage?”

He said attracting visitors for conferences would broaden the country’s tourism offering, create new revenue streams and support the continued diversification of the economy.

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Antigua and Barbuda Wants to Become Conference Capital of the Caribbean.