The Caribbean Tourism Organisation Chapter UK & Europe is preparing to host its fifth Caribbean Showcase, with around 70 delegates expected to attend.
The event, which first launched in 2021, takes place on 10 September and has a brand-new new home for this year, the Virgin Hotels London Shoreditch.
Director of the CTO Chapter Florian Valmy-Devillers said: “It’s a lively, boutique setting that reflects the vibrancy and creativity of our region. Under our annual theme Caribbean Fusion, we are highlighting the diversity of the tourism product across more than 30 Caribbean destinations, bringing the region to life in fresh and engaging ways.”
This year’s event will feature 18 pre-scheduled meetings for tour operators to meet with tourism boards, resorts, airlines, and private sector partners, including destination management companies and representation companies.
The UK chapter now has 90 members, including one of its latest members, Emerald Cruises.
Chair of the CTO Chapter Colin Pegler said: “Membership continues to grow, which reflects the Caribbean’s strong commitment to collaboration and joint promotion in the UK and European markets.”
He added that UK travel to the Caribbean remains robust, with the region firmly established as a top long-haul destination.
Data from the Caribbean Tourism Organization showed arrivals from the UK grew by 12.1% in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period last year.
Florian added that luxury travel, experiential holidays, and cruise tourism are leading the sectors, but solo travel and multi-generational travel are also on the rise.
He explained: “The Caribbean is uniquely positioned to meet these evolving travel patterns, offering a diverse portfolio that caters to every type of traveller, all year-round.”
Glorious Islands of Guadeloupe
This year, there are several first-time exhibitors, including the showcase’s headline sponsor, the Guadeloupe Islands Tourism Board and private sector partner, Des Hôtels et des Îles.
The Guadeloupe Islands, an archipelago of islands (Basse-Terre, Grande-Terre, La Désirade, Marie-Galante, Terre-de-Haut & Terre-de-Bas in Les Saintes), offer clients the perfect blend of French sophistication and Caribbean charm.
The Guadeloupe Islands are lesser-known than other Caribbean destinations, but UK holidaymakers may be more familiar than they realise, as it is the filming location of the popular BBC series, Death in Paradise.
For example, tourists can visit the picturesque fishing village of Deshaies, which doubles as the fictional Saint Marie island.
When it comes to accessibility, Air France connects UK travellers to Guadeloupe via Paris Charles de Gaulle with daily year-round flights.
Hotel inventory is also growing, with a new four-star, 102-room Pullman Royal Key Wellness Resort set to open its doors in Le Moule in early 2026. Another yet-to-be-named five-star, 70-room property is also due to be built in Saint-François, with an opening planned for 2028.
The destination also lends itself to those who are keen to island hop, as there are regular ferry connections between the six islands.
Guadeloupe Islands Head of Market Development for France, Europe & the Americas Maïté Marie-Antoinette said: “We are hoping to exhibit the numerous assets of the archipelago to new prospects and clients and increase the number of UK visitors to the Guadeloupe Islands in the coming months and years.
“At the end of the year, we are partnering with the Des Hotels et des Îles a locally-owned hotel chain and Air France to host a fam trip for UK tour-operators specialising in the Caribbean.”
Des Hôtels et des Îles VP Sales & Marketing & E-Marketing Carole Adam added: “We are excited to come over and meet with operators. All of our islands are totally different, and we need to be out in the market.”
To find out more about the Showcase, click here.
