Press Room

St. John’s Antigua(January 13, 2021) –  The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority has partnered with #Hashtag Communications on the development of the ‘Explore Antigua’ mobile app.

St. John’s Antigua(December 18, 2020) –  As 2020 comes to a close, Antigua and Barbuda is being recognized for the relentless work it has done to ensure the success of the tourism industry and maintain the safety of the destination for both visitors and residents alike. The ‘2021 Caribbean Travel Awards,’ led by the Caribbean Journal, have awarded Antigua and Barbuda’s Minister Charles ‘Max’ Fernandez as ‘Caribbean Tourism Minister of the Year,’ and named newest property, Hammock Cove, as ‘Small All-Inclusive of the Year,’ and flagship resort Curtain Bluff as ‘Caribbean All-Inclusive of the Year.’

(London, December 2020) –  The results are in and it is official – Brits are ready to ditch the cold UK weather, and swap their home office for a warm sunny beach.

ST. JOHN’S, ANTIGUA (December 15, 2020) –  Dr. Lorraine Headley-Raeburn was awarded the Doctorate in Business Administration in December 2020 from the Sagicor Cave Hill School of Business and Management, University of the West Indies. Her research focused on how companies, particularly those in the hospitality industry, can use customer perspectives and feedback to boost the quality of their services and products, especially given the extensive use of online customer feedback mechanisms such as TripAdvisor and the growing influence of the voice of the customer.

ST. JOHN’S, ANTIGUA (December 14, 2020) –  The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority has received a second international marketing award for its ‘Your Space in the Sun’ digital marketing campaign, created as part of the destination marketing body’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

ST. JOHN’S, ANTIGUA (December 3, 2020) –  Antigua and Barbuda will see a boost in airlift for the winter season as demand for the destination increases amongst travellers seeking to escape the cold weather.

ST. JOHN’S, ANTIGUAN AND BARBUDA (29 November, 2020) –  The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority is delivering joy to wanderlust travellers during the holiday season, by providing them with the chance to win the escape they deserve in Antigua and Barbuda for 2021.

ST. JOHN’S, ANTIGUAN AND BARBUDA (17 November, 2020) –  It is always exciting to see visuals of Antigua and Barbuda on television. And, this November those with an interest in yachting will have numerous opportunities to see Antigua and Barbuda’s stunning coastal scenery on screen, as the twin-island destination shines as the backdrop for the entire Season 8 of the popular American reality television Bravo show, ‘Below Deck’.

ST. JOHN’S, ANTIGUAN AND BARBUDA (17 November, 2020) – Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel Awards has named the twin-island nation of Antigua and Barbuda 2021’s Emerging Sustainable Destination of the Year.

London (11 November, 2020) –  – The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority is in the midst of London’s World Travel Market. Held annually, WTM is the world’s leading conference for the travel industry. While the event has transitioned to a virtual platform for this year, the three-day conference welcomes exhibitors, buyers, media, and industry professionals for a chance to network and negotiate with members of the tourism community.

ST. JOHN’S, ANTIGUA (10 November, 2020) –  – The Antigua and Barbuda Ministry of Tourism, Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA), and Antigua Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association (ABHTA) has announced the tagline ‘Sun Sea Safe’ for the destination’s Covid-19 certification program.  ‘Sun Sea Safe’ will feature prominently on an attractive new badge created by the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority for tourism sector businesses that have completed the Health and Safety Programme and inspection by the Central Board of Health and the Ministry of Tourism.

ST. JOHN’S, ANTIGUA (3 November, 2020) – The rowing adventure of a lifetime for two young nationals of Antigua and Barbuda is about to start, and with a challenge that places Antigua and Barbuda’s nautical prowess on full display, the Antigua and Barbuda Ministry of Tourism and the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority are providing their full support to the Antigua seamen.

ST. JOHN’S, ANTIGUA (7 October, 2020) – Antigua Cruise Port has partnered with Destinations Together, a grassroots tourism support organization, to share a free 90-minute “ Cruise tourism readiness” webinar with the public on Tuesday, October 13 from 10:30am. This comprehensive presentation, entitled “Inspiring the Restart of Cruise Tourism: Antigua & Barbuda Together,” has been developed specifically for businesses and residents of Antigua and Barbuda, will provide thoughtful insights to encourage tourism and travel-related businesses to prepare for the relaunch of the local cruise tourism industry. The webinar will also focus on the contributions that each member of the public makes to the guest experience during their interactions with visitors – no matter how insignificant they may initially appear.

ST. JOHN’S, ANTIGUA (30 September, 2020) –  The Caribbean country of Antigua and Barbuda is providing much needed space for workers throughout the world, with the launch of its Nomad Digital Residence (NDR) Programme, that allows persons to work safely and with ease from the twin-island paradise for as long as two years with the new NDR visa.

September 23 2020, (St. John’s, Antigua) –As Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Industry stakeholders prepare for peak season, tourism officials are cautiously optimistic that with arrivals steadily increasing each month since the destination’s re-opening, that the moderate upward trend will continue into the traditionally busy tourism period.  

September 17 2020, (St. John’s, Antigua) Antigua and Barbuda’s cuisine and culture were highlighted in the New York Tristate market earlier this month when Antiguan Chef Claude Lewis participated in the WPIX 11 Morning News show. The segment focused on Caribbean cuisine, and Chef Claude Lewis aptly prepared Saltfish fritters, Antroba and Ducana as the traditional breakfast in Antigua and Barbuda. He shared details on preparation of the meal, and his memories of growing up in Antigua and Barbuda. The four-minute segment was aired throughout the Tristate area, offering exposure to millions of viewers of the popular morning program.

September 11 2020, (St. John’s, Antigua) The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA) and the Antigua and Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association are encouraging residents of Antigua and Barbuda to dine-out, with the launch of the ‘Space Points’ Rewards Program.

September 9 2020, (St. John’s, Antigua) – The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority partnered with one of Antigua and Barbuda’s leading artists for a night of creativity and passion to inspire agents across the globe. With travel restrictions still in place, last week the Tourism Authority virtually connected with 35 industry professionals in Canada through the inspiring medium of art to bring agents and travel media a flash of colour from the vibrant twin-island nation.

May 8 2020, (St. John’s, Antigua) – As Tourism Officials prepare for the restarting of tourism activity in Antigua and Barbuda, the Ministry of Tourism is meeting with tourism stakeholders to discuss the development of protocols required to ensure the safety of the Antigua and Barbuda population and future visitors.

March 26 2020, (St. John’s, Antigua) – Antigua and Barbuda’s Minister of Tourism, The Honourable Charles Fernandez, on Tuesday hosted a virtual industry briefing where he addressed a wide cross-section of tourism industry stakeholders on the latest effects the coronavirus (covid-19) was having on tourism in Antigua and Barbuda.

March 19 2020, (St. John’s, Antigua) – Hello, I am Colin James, CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority and I’d like to take this time to let you know what Antigua and Barbuda is doing to address the coronavirus or covid-19.

February 27 2020, (St. John’s, Antigua) – Antigua and Barbuda is celebrating the theatrical release of Wendy, the latest film by Beasts of the Southern Wild award-winning Director Benh Zeitlin that was partially filmed in the twin-island destination. Wendy is an American fantasy drama film, intended to be a re-imagining of J.M Barrie’s “Peter Pan,” that takes place in an exciting and breathtaking new setting. Premiered at Sundance, in this new version, “Wendy and her brothers come from a working family. Raised amongst dinner plates and diner patrons, the children have an itch for the adventurous and slightly mischievous.

February 17 2020, (St. John’s, Antigua) – Following an incredible year in 2019, and with demand for the destination currently at an all-time high, the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority and the Antigua and Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association, are inviting leading tour operators from the United States, United Kingdom, Europe, Canada and the Caribbean to experience the stunning Caribbean country famed for its 365 beaches, chic hotel properties, and friendly people during the 7th annual Showcase Antigua and Barbuda, taking place from June 10 – June 11, 2020.

February 17 2020, (St. John’s, Antigua) – Antigua and Barbuda received extensive coverage on Valentine’s Day with the publication of a 16-page comprehensive feature in The Miami Herald. Given the success the twin-islands enjoyed in 2019, this extensive Antigua and Barbuda editorial insert will serve to highlight the destination’s growth in a variety of industries including tourism & investment, education, cruise development, airlift and the economy.

February 14 2020, (LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM) – The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority’s UK office hosted a series of peak season roadshows in the South East of England, accommodating some 250 travel agents from Cambridge, Windsor, Winchester, Bristol, Brighton and Oxford.

February 13 2020, (Miami) – Royal Caribbean International and the Government of Antigua and Barbuda, along with the assistance of the Consulate General of Antigua and Barbuda, have signed an agreement for the company’s first Royal Beach Club. The agreement marks the start of the planning and development for the Royal Beach Club scheduled to break ground later this year.

February 13 2020, (St. John’s, Antigua) – The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority recently concluded participation at the A&A Tours ‘Travel & Cruise Fest’ in Puerto Rico on February 8 and 9, where tourism executives were busy encouraging Latin American travellers to spend their next vacation in Antigua and Barbuda.
Thousands of attendees were present at the annual travel and cruise fair, which is one of the most highly anticipated travel expos in Puerto Rico.

February 10 2020, (St. John’s, Antigua) – ABTA’s US Director of Tourism Dean Fenton has noted that, Antigua and Barbuda is particularly resonating with the US traveller as the US Market continues to grow at a fast pace, having ended 2019, with +17% growth for the year, and forward bookings showing demand for the destination increasing amongst US Travellers into 2020.

February 08 2020, (St. John’s, Antigua) – Antigua and Barbuda Tourism officials had a packed agenda, at the recently concluded 13th Routes Americas Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana, where they held four days of intense meetings and negotiations.

JANUARY 31 2020, (St. John’s, Antigua) – The reigning French Sprint Triathlon Champion Aurélien Raphaël has confirmed his return to Antigua to defend his title in the AUA Rohrman Triathlon on Saturday March 7th, 2020.

JANUARY 30 2020, (St. John’s, Antigua) – In an exciting opportunity to showcase Antigua and Barbuda’s wellness attributes, the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority has partnered with US based gym ‘Fab Body Factory by Deanna Robinson Fitness’, to welcome fifty women from across the United States to Antigua and Barbuda for the third installment of the annual FabBody Retreat taking place from January 29 – February 2, 2020.

JANUARY 28 2020, (St. John’s, Antigua) – Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Officials have wrapped up a series of successful meetings at Caribbean Travel Marketplace, held this year, in Nassau, Bahamas from January 21 – January 23, with travel partners reporting a strong start to 2020 for Antigua and Barbuda, reflected in increased bookings to the destination.

JANUARY 1 2020, (St. John’s, Antigua) – Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Officials began ringing in the New Year early at the V.C. Bird International Airport, as visitors arriving into Antigua and Barbuda on Old Year’s Eve, helped to push Antigua and Barbuda’s total stay-over arrivals in 2019 to the 300,000th milestone.

December 19 2019, (St. John’s, Antigua) – Antigua and Barbuda, is the start of ‘happily ever after, for sizzling model couple, “The Face” star Afiya Bennett and Lloyd Dickenson, who are currently honeymooning in the dreamy destination known as the Romance Capital of the Caribbean.

December 18 2019, (St. John’s, Antigua) – With a reputation for 365 picturesque beaches and waters so blue they blow you away, the award-winning twin-island paradise of Antigua and Barbuda, with hot new events, UNESCO World Heritage sites, thrilling excursions, and luxurious hotel openings, is proving to be the coolest location for 2020.

December 12 2019, (St. John’s, Antigua) – Antigua and Barbuda has been named the ‘Caribbean Destination of the Year’, during the Caribbean Travel Awards hosted by Caribbean Journal, the world’s largest website covering Caribbean Travel.

December 12 2019, (St. John’s, Antigua) – The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority’s (ABTA) award-winning #WhatCoolLooksLike global summer 2019 campaign, has won another award.
This time it’s a MarCom platinum award, for best integrated marketing campaign, the highest accolade conferred by the MarCom Awards. The MarCom Awards honors excellence in marketing and communication while recognizing the creativity and hard work of industry professionals.

December 10 2019, (St. John’s) – The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority is proud to announce its partnership with Elite Island Resorts and the travAlliancemedia to host the third Millennial Travel Forum, taking place in Antigua from December 10th to 14th, 2019.

December 6 2019, (New York, Ny) – Antigua and Barbuda celebrated the success of a record-breaking year in Tourism by hosting the inaugural annual Black Pineapple Awards Ceremony in New York on Wednesday, December 4th. The Black Pineapple Awards – eponymous to the Black Pineapple that is only found in Antigua – were created solely to honor the partners, tour operators, resorts, travel agents and media, who have diligently and tirelessly worked to promote Antigua and Barbuda.

December 3 2019, (St. John’s Antigua) – Antigua and Barbuda is celebrating the arrival of an inaugural flight from Colombia to Antigua and Barbuda, which will open up trade and tourism opportunities for the destination.

December 2 2019, (St. John’s Antigua) – Signature Flight Support Antigua is ready to receive private aircraft for the winter season. The fixed based operator (FBO) on Runway 10 at V.C. Bird International Airport has been seeing an increase in traffic earlier than usual for the winter season.

November 20 2019, (St. John’s Antigua) – Following a dynamic year of award-winning marketing campaigns, new events, and hotel openings, The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority is excited to be celebrating an even greater milestone.  By December 2019, Antigua and Barbuda Tourism stayover arrivals would have reached over 300,000. And, with the launch of a new ‘Come home’ sweepstakes, the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority is inviting the Antiguan and Barbudan diaspora to join in on the celebrations.

November 19 2019, (St. John’s Antigua) – The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority has planned a strong start to the upcoming winter season with a four-day Mega Fam to the destination in partnership with Air Canada Vacations (ACV). Dubbed Sun, Sea & Sand, arriving on Tuesday, November 19, 2019, and returning on Friday, November 22, 2019, the familiarisation trip will expose agents to 11 of the islands’ most beautiful properties.

November 18 2019, (St. John’s) – A week formally designed to prepare for the upcoming winter tourist season was launched today (MON) at the Ministry of Tourism headquarters. Tourism stakeholders inclusive of the Antigua and Barbuda Hotels and Tourist Association, Taxi Drivers, Vendors, The Port Authority and the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority gathered to be informed about the event slated for December 8th to 14th 2019.

November 6 2019, (London, England) – The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority has partnered with Geotourist a multi-award-winning mobile GPS travel technology, to create navigational application content for Antigua and Barbuda that offers visitors the chance to explore the destination independently, while being guided by Antiguan story-tellers, all from their mobile phone.

November 6 2019, (London, United Kingdom) – The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority has just completed a successful week at London’s World Travel Market. Held annually, WTM is the world’s leading conference for the travel industry and takes place in London’s largest exhibition centre. The three-day event welcomes over 50,000 exhibitors, buyers, media, and industry professionals for a chance to network and negotiate with members of the tourism community.

November 5 2019, (London, England) – It was an evening of big wins for  The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority as the destination took home awards for Best Social Media Campaign, Best Broadcast Feature, and Best Consumer Feature at last evening’s  2019 Caribbean Tourism Organisation’s (CTO) Media Awards, held during World Travel Market, in the United Kingdom.

October 28 2019, (St. John’s Antigua) –While the Antigua & Barbuda Tourism Authority’s highly engaging #WhatCoolLooksLike summer marketing campaign wraps up on October 31, the tourism marketing office is still enticing audiences to experience Antigua and Barbuda’s cool vibes. This time, through the eyes of five hundred millennials from the United States, who have travelled to Antigua for ‘CDE: Antigua’ hosted by Collin Devon Events.

October 7 2019, (New York, New York) –The unique attributes of Antigua & Barbuda’s small and boutique properties were recently on display in the tristate area, as the Antigua & Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA) and the Antigua & Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association (ABHTA) embarked upon a roadshow in Northern New Jersey, New York City and Westchester, New York. The team led by the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority’s USA Director of Tourism, Dean Fenton included Executive Director of the ABHTA, Patrice Simon and ABTA’s Sales & Marketing Manager – USA, Norrell Joseph.

September 15 2019, (St. John’s, Antigua) –- Antigua and Barbuda joins in the celebration of World Wellness Weekend (WWW) on September 21 and September 22, 2019, with activities designed to uplift and energise.

September 15 2019, (St. John’s, Antigua) –Antigua and Barbuda tourism officials led by Tourism Minister, The Honourable H. Charles Fernandez and the Minister of State in the Ministry of Tourism and Investment Senator Mary-Clare Hurst recently participated in Seatrade Europe held in Hamburg Germany. The destination partnered with a group of Caribbean destinations who combined their efforts to market the region in a joint “Caribbean Village”. This proven strategy was once again successful in effectively allowing the country to efficiently participate in the cruise convention.

September 5 2019, (Toronto, Canada) –Antigua and Barbuda is getting ready to welcome a host of new visitors this upcoming winter season as some extraordinary new properties open their doors. The development of new rooms and properties in Antigua and Barbuda is a direct result of the rapid growth of the tourism industry. Though construction is ongoing, current accommodation capacity is expected to double with an estimated 2,535 rooms and units by 2021.

September 4 2019, (St. John’s, Antigua) –The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority has launched a ‘Cool Card’ as a part of their end of summer promotions for the #WhatCoolLooksLike destination marketing campaign which runs until October 31, 2019.

September 2 2019, (St. John’s, Antigua) –This September, the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, unveils a fresh, new marketing campaign designed for local audiences called #CoolisClean. The #CoolisClean campaign, which coincides with the Tourism Authority’s global summer marketing campaign #WhatCoolLooksLike, is geared towards ensuring that Antigua and Barbuda remains one of the Caribbean’s most attractive destinations.

August 19 2019, (St. John’s, Antigua) –Getting to Antigua and Barbuda will now be that much easier and more affordable. Antigua and Barbuda’s Tourism Minister, The Hon. Charles Fernandez led a team of tourism executives on an intense week of meetings and negotiations with USA-based airlines to make the case for increased airlift to the destination. The delegation included the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority’s CEO Colin C. James, US Director of Tourism Dean Fenton and US Sales Manager, Norrell Joseph.

August 15 2019, (New York, NY) –Antigua & Barbuda’s Minister of Tourism and Investment, the Hon. Charles ‘Max’ Fernandez, and Colin James, CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA) are spearheading a series of promotions, designed to keep Antigua and Barbuda top of mind for the American traveler this August.