The dynamic, twin-island nation of Antigua and Barbuda was spotlighted this week at the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s (CTO) Caribbean Week in New York which runs from June 1 – June 6. The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA) joined representatives from dozens of other Caribbean countries at The Westin New York at Times Square and played a leading role in showcasing the future of Caribbean tourism.
The high-profile delegation from Antigua and Barbuda was led by the Honourable Charles ‘Max’ Fernandez, Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation, and Investment. He was joined by: Sandra Joseph, Permanent Secretary, Antigua and Barbuda Ministry of Tourism; Colin C. James, CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority; Dean Fenton, Director of Tourism, Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority-USA; Charmaine Spencer, Director of Tourism, Caribbean and LATAM; Arah Robins, Marketing Communications Executive, Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority-USA; Andy Liburd, Sales and Marketing Officer, Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority-USA; Annette Aflack, Director of Special Events, Promotion, and Protocol, Antigua and Barbuda Ministry of Tourism.
“Caribbean Week – and the spirit of cooperation that defines it – has a special place in our hearts,” said Minister Fernandez, speaking to members of the media. “I think the enduring appeal of this event speaks to the level of commitment in the Caribbean, and how hard we are all working collectively to share our offerings with North America and the world.”
The delegation made the most of their time at the event, shining a spotlight on the many virtues of Antigua and Barbuda as a destination through a robust schedule of speeches, participation in the Ministers’ forum, and marquee appearances. The Minister was joined by Antiguan Chef Claude Lewis, former winner of Food Network’s Chopped, for a segment on WPIX TV, in which they explored the vibrant cuisine of the country, its beautiful beaches, and its eminent accessibility from North America. The tourism minister also met with Travel Weekly’s Editor-In-Chief, Arnie Weissman, and Katherine LaGrave, deputy editor from AFAR Magazine, providing a destination update. Additionally, Antigua & Barbuda sponsored English Harbour Rum cocktails at AFAR’s private Caribbean Week reception.
CEO Colin C James – also the chairman of the CTO’s events committee – officially opened Caribbean Week with thoughtful remarks and a prayer, thanking attendees and appealing to the shared strength between the competing, yet collaborating, countries.
“Everyone who is familiar with us will understand why we celebrate – and are eternally thankful for – our region’s resilience,” said James in his address. “We are grateful, too, to be blessed with the natural assets that make us such a desirable destination in this highly competitive tourism industry. That competition keeps us on our toes, keeps us crafting new strategies and delivering even greater value, keeps us improving the quality and sustainability of our product.”
For the second year in a row, the ABTA also hosted a sold-out Caribbean Women’s Leadership Dinner & Awards ceremony on Monday, June 2. This highly anticipated event honours and recognizes the achievements of the many women leading innovation in the Caribbean tourism industry across three distinguished categories: the Director of Tourism Award, the Minister of Tourism Award, and the Secretary-General’s Distinguished Service Award.
Held annually in New York, the CTO’s Caribbean Week brings together ministers, CEOs, travel agents, and other representatives from across dozens of islands for what has become the premier Caribbean tourism exhibition and networking event in North America. This year’s edition of the event, under the theme “Caribbean Resilience: Crafting Tomorrow’s Tourism,” educated and entertained attendees with industry leadership forums, strategic workshops, a media marketplace, artificial intelligence panels, and sponsored celebrations of Caribbean culture.
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