Antigua and Barbuda took center stage during the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s (CTO) Caribbean Week in New York, using the region’s premier tourism gathering to spotlight the destination’s vibrant culture, world-famous Carnival, culinary experiences, and year-round appeal to North American travelers.
Held June 1-5 at the InterContinental New York Times Square, the annual event brought together tourism ministers, destination leaders, travel advisors, media representatives, and industry partners under the theme, “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences.” The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA) joined Caribbean destinations in promoting regional collaboration while highlighting the twin-island nation’s unique attractions.
The Antigua and Barbuda delegation was led by Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation and Investment Minister Charles H. Fernández, alongside senior tourism officials including Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority CEO Colin C. James, Director of Tourism-USA Dean Fenton, Chief Marketing Officer Charmaine Spencer, Government Relations Manager Senator Angelica O’Donoghue, and Senior Digital Marketing Officer Abena Merchant.
“Caribbean Week continues to be a powerful reminder of what makes our region so special,” Fernández said. “It is an opportunity for us to collaborate as Caribbean destinations, while also sharing the unique story of Antigua and Barbuda with one of our most important source markets.”
Throughout the week, the delegation participated in ministerial forums, tourism discussions, media interviews, and promotional events designed to strengthen the Caribbean’s position in the global travel market. Fernández joined fellow regional leaders in discussions focused on tourism growth, sustainability, airlift, destination marketing, and maintaining the Caribbean’s competitiveness.
One of the week’s biggest highlights came during a live appearance on WPIX-TV, where Antigua and Barbuda brought the excitement of Antigua Carnival directly to New York audiences. Steel pan musician Johnny Gomes and Carnival performers from Tropical Fete showcased the music, costumes, and energy that define Antigua Carnival 2026, scheduled for July 25 through Aug. 4 under the theme, “Feel the Rhythm.”
The delegation also met with travel industry professionals and consumer media to promote the destination’s accessibility from North America, diverse accommodations, culinary scene, signature festivals, and authentic cultural experiences.
Antigua and Barbuda further demonstrated its commitment to regional tourism by serving as title sponsor of the Caribbean Women in Tourism Leadership Dinner and Awards. The event celebrated women making significant contributions to Caribbean tourism while supporting the CTO Foundation’s new scholarship initiative designed to encourage the next generation of female tourism professionals.
The destination concluded Caribbean Week by participating in the CTO Foundation’s popular Rum & Rhythm Benefit. Antiguan chef Claude Lewis, winner of Food Network’s Chopped, prepared signature island dishes, while veteran mixologist Ralph John crafted Caribbean-inspired rum cocktails that showcased the destination’s rich culinary heritage.
Together, the events reinforced Antigua and Barbuda’s reputation as a destination offering far more than its famed 365 beaches, highlighting the culture, cuisine, hospitality, and experiences that continue to attract visitors from around the world.