Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority Honors Industry VIPs for Years of Dedication and Support in New York City

The Honorable Charles ‘Max’ Fernandez, Antigua and Barbuda’s Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, and Investment, along with Antigua and Barbuda’s CEO Colin C. James and Director of Tourism for the USA Dean Fenton, honored a distinguished group of industry VIPs for their longstanding commitment to promoting Antigua and Barbuda by presenting them with the Minister’s Award for Excellence in Tourism.

The ceremony recognized travel professionals, media partners, and community leaders who have made significant contributions to the destination’s growth and success. The official delegation included Antigua and Barbuda’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Walton Webson, and Senator Hon. Alincia Williams-Grant.

While delivering the presentation, Minister Fernandez stated, “Our success is driven by the passion, dedication, and hard work of these professionals who consistently go above and beyond in advocating for Antigua and Barbuda.” He added, “We take great pride in celebrating their accomplishments and eagerly anticipate strengthening these vital partnerships.” Minister Fernandez highlighted the late Honorable Rob Barrett, founder of Elite Island Resorts, acknowledging his significant contributions to developing Antigua’s tourism industry, and also recognized Elite’s team members, Larry Basham, Sherrie Ault, and John Cather, for their tremendous commitment to the industry’s growth.

CEO Colin C. James remarked, “From the Travel Advisors and Public Relations Specialists, everyone honored, has played a crucial role in showcasing the magic of Antigua and Barbuda to the world. Their efforts have greatly influenced our tourism industry, ensuring our islands remain among the Caribbean’s premier destinations.” ABTA USA Director of Tourism, Dean Fenton, commended the recipients, saying:

“I am extremely proud to recognize our exceptional business partners, whose unwavering support and dedication have played a significant role in elevating Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism industry.”

The distinguished honorees in attendance included Brenda O’Neale, Travel Advisor and Chair of the Antigua & Barbuda Travel Agent Advisory Board; Lila Nicholas, Travel Advisor and Chair of the Professional Travel Agents of North America (PATANA) National Advisory Board; Brenda Cole, Travel Advisor and President of PATANA; Corrine Mutarelli, Travel Advisor and Past President of the Alliance of Westchester Travel Agencies (AWTA); and Ralph Vasami, President of Kiwanis Yonkers and former President of the New York American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA).

Adrian Surgeon, Graphics and Design Specialist; Antiguan chefs Edward Murphy and Melvin Myers; Artistic Designer Dave Ray; Marilyn Pires, Travel Account Manager and Executive Assistant to ABTA USA Director Dean Fenton; Noel Mignott, founder of the Portfolio Marketing Group, the public relations firm responsible for maintaining the visibility of Antigua and Barbuda in the United States; and Alison Ross, a former partner at PMG, were among the honorees. Also included on the VIP awards list were Genevieve Edwards of Sharp Travel International, Henry Watkins, owner of the Watkins Media Group, and industry supporter Roberta Diaz.

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 northeast 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, go to visitantiguabarbuda.com or follow on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram

SEEN IN IMAGE: L-R Dean Fenton, Director of Tourism, Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority; Brenda O’Neale, Travel Advisor and Chair of the Antigua & Barbuda Travel Agent Advisory Board; Honorable Charles ‘Max’ Fernandez, Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation & Investment.