Abhta Briefs – By Deslyn A Joseph
Abhta Briefs Cabinet Accommodation
The Antigua and Barbuda Hotels and Tourist Association (ABHTA) appeared before the Cabinet on Wednesday to provide a strategic update on the nation’s readiness to host the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).
The delegation, led by ABHTA Chairman Craig Marshall and Executive Director Patrice Christian-Simon, presented a comprehensive report detailing accommodation capacity and room allocations for the summit, which is scheduled for November 1–4, 2026.
This gathering is set to be the most significant international event ever hosted by Antigua and Barbuda, with the government emphasizing that the logistical challenge of housing thousands of delegates is a primary priority.
“During the presentation, officials provided Cabinet members with a detailed overview of confirmed bookings and ongoing discussions with various Commonwealth member states. According to the report, 56 member states are expected to attend, with some delegations consisting of over 200 individuals,” Maurice Merchant, Director General of Communications in the Prime Minister’s Office said.
Government officials noted that ensuring adequate housing for this scale of attendance, estimated at 5,000-plus participants, remains a core concern. The discussion highlighted the need for thorough planning, especially given the timing of the summit.
“A key challenge identified during the meeting is the proximity of the November summit to the start of the winter tourist season. The ABHTA and its members are tasked with creating a delicate balance: providing sufficient room inventory for international delegates while ensuring that repeat visitors and new tourists are not displaced during their visits to the islands,” he explained.
The ABHTA reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with the government to navigate these logistics. The Cabinet and the association continue to coordinate on strategies to maximize room availability and service levels to ensure the event is a success, effectively showcasing Antigua and Barbuda as a premier destination for global conferences.
