ANTIGUA & BARBUDA TOURISM AUTHORITY

(St. John’s, Antigua) November 4, 2024 – Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism industry professionals, whose commitment and excellence have significantly elevated the nation’s tourism sector, will be honoured at the prestigious Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Awards Gala on November 24, 2024. This annual event, hosted by the Antigua & Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association (ABHTA) and the Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation, and Investment, is dedicated to celebrating outstanding individuals and organizations that have enhanced Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism product.

This year’s theme, “Waves of Opulence and Distinction” captures a sense of luxury, elegance and sophistication. The auspicious event provides an opportunity to pair the luxurious allure of the ocean with the highest standards of distinction in service. Attendees are encouraged to dress in colors and styles that evoke the beauty and elegance of the ocean.

Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation, and Investment, The Honourable Charles Fernandez, stated, “The Ministry of Tourism is exceptionally pleased once again to partner with the Antigua & Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association to recognize and award human resource excellence in all aspects of the industry. Recognizing that service with distinction can only catapult Antigua and Barbuda’s product to phenomenal levels and increase our global competitive advantage, I implore all supervisors, managers and human resource personnel withing the tourism industry to continue to recognize talent and encourage its development through the continued support of initiatives such as these.”

ABHTA Chairman, Craig Marshall, added, “The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Awards Gala, themed 'Waves of Opulence and Distinction,' stands as a proud testament to the exceptional talent and dedication within our industry. This celebration not only honours the contributions of our professionals but also underscores the collaborative spirit between the ABHTA and the Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation, and

Investment. Together, we are setting a standard of excellence that reflects the beauty and allure of our destination, while empowering those who make it shine every day.”

This year’s awards ceremony will honour tourism professionals in various categories, including:

•     ABHTA Employee of the Year
•     ABHTA Supervisor of the Year
•     Rising Star of the Year
•     Young Hotelier of the Year
•     Young Chef of the Year
•     Chef of the Year
•     Transportation Service Provider of the Year
•     Tour Guide of the Year
•     Port Frontline Employee of the Year
•     Customer Service Excellence Award
•     Digital Marketing Excellence Award
•     Social Media Excellence Award
•     Lifetime Achievement Award

Nominations for the awards were open to private and public sector tourism businesses, with selection of winners being made by a panel of esteemed industry executives. The winners and nominees will be celebrated in the presence of Government officials and other tourism professionals at Sandals Grande Antigua on Sunday, November 24, 2024.

The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Awards Gala is a highlight of Tourism Week, taking place from November 17 – November 24, 2024. With a renewed focus on sustainability, excellence, and distinction, the week promises to inspire the tourism community as it prepares for a thriving winter season.

ABOUT THE ABHTA

The ABHTA collectively represents the hospitality industry by educating, advocating and promoting to increase visitation and the economic benefits for Antigua and Barbuda. The primary focus is on the needs and best interests of the members of the Association. The membership of the Antigua & Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association is open to all hotels, restaurants, airlines, and companies directly or indirectly involved in the tourism sector of Antigua and Barbuda. Joining the Association is a way of showing your support of the island’s tourism product and helping us to further develop our tourism industry.