The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA) hosted an intimate appreciation event in Toronto, Canada, on August 13 that recognized business partners who have contributed to strong visitor arrivals this year
The cocktail reception, hosted at Yorkville’s Blu Ristorante saw a delegation from Antigua and Barbuda joined by dozens of representatives from Canada’s travel trade and trade media, who were recognized with certificates and awards.
“Antigua and Barbuda will remain easily accessible to Canadians, and we will continue to showcase the dynamic, twin-island experience that makes our country unique within the Caribbean region and irresistible to travelers,” said ABTA CEO Colin C. James, in his keynote address to those present. “This is an undertaking we could not accomplish alone, and we are incredibly grateful to the individuals in this room and the genuine enthusiasm Canadians seem to have towards our home.”
Mr. James was joined at the event by Deputy Chairman of the ABTA Board, Alan Hosam and Director of Tourism for Canada Tameka Wharton. Canadian representatives from Air Canada, Air Canada Vacations, Sunwing, WestJet, Ensemble, Association of Canadian Travel Agencies and Travel Advisors (ACTA), Spoiled Agent, and a select group of travel agents,media and other travel industry partners were on hand to accept awards of gratitude for their continued support of Antigua and Barbuda’s Canadian marketing initiatives.
In his address, Mr. James also underscored the strength of Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism offering and the importance of the Canadian market. Riding the momentum of highlights like the Be Campaign, the recent visit of Antigua and Barbuda’s “Cricket Knights” to Canada, and Next Stop: Antigua Carnival, Mr. James shared that Canadian stayover visitor arrivals to Antigua and Barbuda had risen 9% year-over-year as of July.
To date in 2024, over 21,000 Canadians have visited Antigua and Barbuda.
It is the Caribbean destination renowned for having 365 beaches and a dynamic offering of luxury, nature, and adventure. From all markets, visitor arrivals are up 13% year-over-year as of June.
“Antigua and Barbuda is enjoying a strong year with Canadians, and with consumers on the whole, in no small part due to your passion for our unique, dual-island slice of The Caribbean,” said Matara Richards, ABTA Marketing Administrator, in her opening remarks. “From the history, luxury, and gastronomy of Antigua to the wild beauty and vibrant nature of Barbuda, you have embraced everything our country is and helped us realize everything it can be. We appreciate you!”
The ABTA capped off the event with the announcement of the Black Pineapple Awards in December 2024, named for the famously sweet national fruit of the islands. One hundred top partners will be selected to attend the awards and experience the beauty of both islands on an all-expenses-paid trip, with 25 spots earmarked for Canadians.
ABOUT ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA
Antigua (pronounced An-tee’ga) and Barbuda (Bar-byew’da) is located in the heart of the Caribbean Sea. The twin-island paradise offers visitors two uniquely distinct experiences, ideal temperatures year-round, a rich history, vibrant culture, exhilarating excursions, award-winning resorts, mouth-watering cuisine and 365 stunning pink and white-sand beaches – one for every day of the year. The largest of the English-speaking Leeward Islands, Antigua comprises 108-square miles with rich history and spectacular topography that provides a variety of popular sightseeing opportunities. Nelson’s Dockyard, the only remaining example of a Georgian fort a listed UNESCO World Heritage site, is perhaps the most renowned landmark. Antigua’s tourism events calendar includes the Antigua and Barbuda Wellness Month, Run in Paradise, prestigious Antigua Sailing Week, Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta, Antigua and Barbuda Restaurant Week, Antigua and Barbuda Art Week and the annual Antigua Carnival; known as the Caribbean’s Greatest Summer Festival. Barbuda, Antigua’s smaller sister island, is the ultimate celebrity hideaway. The island lies 27 miles north-east of Antigua and is just a 15-minute plane ride away. Barbuda is known for its untouched 11-mile stretch of pink sand beach and as the home of the largest Frigate Bird Sanctuary in the Western Hemisphere.
Find information on Antigua & Barbuda at: www.visitantiguabarbuda.com
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SEEN IN MAIN IMAGE: ABTA CEO Colin C. James – second from L, Director of Tourism Canada Tameka Wharton – 3rd from L, and team in Canada – image courtesy of image courtesy of Desran Mckie
For Antigua and Barbuda media enquiries, please contact:
Maria Blackman
Marketing Communications Manager
Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority
T: 1 (268) 562 7600/464-7601
