ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA STRENGTHENS GLOBAL MICE POSITIONING AT FIEXPO LATIN AMERICA 2026
Antigua and Barbuda continues to strengthen its position as one of the Caribbean’s premier destinations for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE), with Chief Marketing Officer of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA) Charmaine Spencer, and Marketing Officer Alfonsina Olmos, participating in FIEXPO Latin America 2026 in San José, Costa Rica.
Recognized as one of the most influential business events for the meetings and conventions industry in Latin America and the Caribbean, FIEXPO Latin America brings together destinations, international associations, meeting planners, event organizers, suppliers, policymakers and industry leaders to forge partnerships and drive growth within the global MICE sector. The event serves as a strategic platform for networking, education, business development and destination promotion.
Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation and Investment, The Honourable H. Charles Fernandez, welcomed Antigua and Barbuda’s participation in FIEXPO, noting that the destination’s presence at the event aligns with the government’s strategic vision to diversify and expand the tourism product.
“Business events and conferences represent a high-value segment of the tourism industry. Our success in attracting and hosting major international meetings has demonstrated that Antigua and Barbuda can compete with the best destinations in the world. Participation in FIEXPO allows us to build new partnerships, engage directly with key decision-makers and position Antigua and Barbuda for even greater opportunities within the global meetings industry,” Minister Fernandez said.
Antigua and Barbuda’s participation comes at a time when the destination’s MICE sector is experiencing growth and receiving international recognition. In 2025, the twin-island nation was named the Caribbean’s Leading Meetings & Conference Destination at the World Travel Awards, in recognition of its hosting of major regional and international conferences during the year.
In 2026, the destination also successfully hosted the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association’s (CHTA) Caribbean Travel Marketplace and is preparing to welcome delegates from across the Commonwealth at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in November.
Chief Marketing Officer Charmaine Spencer noted that FIEXPO provides an invaluable opportunity to showcase the destination’s growing capabilities and establish new business relationships in emerging markets.
“The MICE sector has become an increasingly important pillar of Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism industry. We have demonstrated our ability to successfully host events ranging from regional meetings to major international conferences, and that reputation continues to grow. FIEXPO provides direct access to some of the most influential buyers, planners and decision-makers in the industry. Our participation ensures that Antigua and Barbuda remains visible, competitive and top-of-mind for future conferences, incentive travel programmes and business events,” Spencer stated.
Spencer noted that one of the key takeaways from FIEXPO this year is the growing interest among Latin American buyers and event organizers in identifying new destinations to host meetings, conventions and incentive programmes as they seek to diversify their portfolios and offer fresh experiences to their clients.
“Antigua and Barbuda is well positioned to meet that demand, offering world-class meeting facilities, excellent air connectivity, authentic cultural experiences and a safe, welcoming environment for international events,” she added.
Beyond its exceptional meeting infrastructure and accommodations, Antigua and Barbuda offers delegates and organizers a unique blend of business and leisure opportunities, creating memorable experiences that enhance the value of every event hosted in the destination.
Antigua (pronounced An-tee’ga) and Barbuda (Bar-byew’da) is located in the heart of the Caribbean Sea. The twin-island paradise offers visitors two uniquely distinct experiences, ideal temperatures year-round, a rich history, vibrant culture, exhilarating excursions, award-winning resorts, mouth-watering cuisine and 365 stunning pink and white-sand beaches – one for every day of the year. The largest of the English-speaking Leeward Islands, Antigua comprises 108-square miles with rich history and spectacular topography that provides a variety of popular sightseeing opportunities.
Nelson’s Dockyard, the only remaining example of a Georgian fort a listed UNESCO World Heritage site, is perhaps the most renowned landmark. Antigua’s tourism events calendar includes the Antigua and Barbuda Wellness Month, Run in Paradise, prestigious Antigua Sailing Week, Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta, Antigua and Barbuda Restaurant Week, Antigua and Barbuda Art Week and the annual Antigua Carnival; known as the Caribbean’s Greatest Summer Festival. Barbuda, Antigua’s smaller sister island, is the ultimate celebrity hideaway. The island lies 27 miles north-east of Antigua and is just a 15-minute plane ride away. Barbuda is known for its untouched 11-mile stretch of pink sand beach and as the home of the largest Frigate Bird Sanctuary in the Western Hemisphere. Find information on Antigua and Barbuda at: www.visitantiguabarbuda.com