A strategic plan to establish Antigua and Barbuda as a destination for culinary tourism is paying dividends with Antigua and Barbuda’s selection as the top emerging Caribbean destination for culinary tourism.
The announcement was made Wednesday by Tourism Minister, Charles Fernandez as he addressed a press conference where the Antigua and Barbuda team members for the Taste of the Caribbean culinary competition in Barbados next month, were revealed.
According to Fernandez, this aspect of culinary tourism is important for the country and it is something that the Ministry of Tourism and its partners have been cultivation as part of a three-year national strategy.
“This brings international recognition as we had been nominated and now we can announce that we have emerged winners of the “Caribbean’s Best Emerging Culinary City Destination 2025” by the World Culinary Awards further exemplifies our success in this endeavor,” he declared.
The Minister said the plan involves showcasing the country’s heritage by telling the nation’s “food story”, and celebrating its rich culinary identity.
Fernandez added that this has both an economic and a community impact as it creates income for local artisans and entrepreneurs thereby ensuring that tourism benefits local communities.
“The government and Tourism Authority have developed a comprehensive, month-long initiative to celebrate and promote the culinary heritage – through Antigua and Barbuda Culinary Month: This is the cornerstone of their efforts, a month-long celebration in May that has grown from a simpler “Restaurant Week.” It features a robust schedule of events designed to highlight local and Caribbean cuisine,” the minister explained.
Fernandez emphasized that this initiative is deeply rooted in the community. “As noted by Shermain Jeremy, the Culinary Month Lead, the program is “powered by the community” and is about creating opportunity and pride, showing that “small islands can lead with big ideas”,” he indicated.
