The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA) represented the twin-island nation at the recent International Arts Festival in New Orleans, presenting Antigua and Barbuda as both a leading Caribbean getaway and a cultural hub with global reach.
ABTA was represented by Arah Robins, Marketing and Public Relations Executive, and Annie Liverpool-Charles, Sales and Marketing Officer. Their participation focused on highlighting the nation’s cultural identity, building international partnerships, and positioning Antigua and Barbuda as a leader in inclusive and sustainable tourism.
The Sister City Summit brought together cultural leaders, government officials, and tourism professionals from around the world. For Antigua and Barbuda, it was an opportunity to emphasize that the destination is defined by both its natural beauty and the depth of its cultural offerings, from Carnival and Culinary Month to Art Week and the many traditions that shape the Antigua and Barbuda experience. Robins and Liverpool-Charles engaged in high-level discussions and networking sessions with U.S. and international tourism leaders, highlighting Antigua and Barbuda’s commitment to ensuring that travel to the islands benefits local communities, as well as inspires visitors.
During the festival, Robins was featured as a panelist in Tourism and Cultural Economies — How to Make Them More Inclusive and Beneficial to the Communities Which Produce Cultural Experiences, held at Gallier Hall. She joined panelists including Christian Houetchenou, Mayor of Ouidah, Benin; Andrew Swaby, Mayor of Kingston and Saint Andrews, Jamaica; Dr. Richmond Yeboah of the Technical University of Cape Coast; and municipal advisor Eugène-Mathieu Digba-Katchia. The discussion examined how cultural traditions can be celebrated through tourism while ensuring that the communities that sustain them share in the benefits.
Robins spotlighted Antigua and Barbuda’s approach, noting that hallmark events such as Culinary Month, Carnival and Art Week create important income opportunities for local artisans, musicians, and entrepreneurs, in addition to attracting international visitors.
“Antigua and Barbuda’s culture is the heartbeat of our tourism industry,” said Robins. “We are committed to ensuring that when visitors experience our traditions, our communities that create them are the ones who benefit the most.”
Beyond formal discussions, ABTA connected directly with U.S. audiences. Robins appeared on KZEM 102.9 with host Jerold Jackson, as well as on Cumulus Radio Network with LaTangela Sherman, introducing listeners to Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism offerings and promoting the islands’ presence at the International Arts Festival. At another event, the Congo Square concert, the delegation added a Caribbean flourish by hosting a raffle for two round-trip tickets to Antigua and Barbuda and offering samples of rum punch prepared by Antiguan mixologist Toray Manwarren with English Harbour Rum. These activations allowed audiences to taste and imagine the warmth of the islands firsthand.
The delegation also met New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell and collaborated with Rosine Pema Sanga, Director of International Relations, who hosted many of the summit’s events. These exchanges strengthened ties with city leadership, as well as laid the foundation for future cultural collaborations beyond the summit.
For Antigua and Barbuda, the International Art Festival was more than a promotional stage. It was a strategic platform to share cultural heritage, reinforce diaspora connections, and drive home sustainability goals. In a competitive global travel market, participation in events that bring together African, Caribbean, and U.S. communities provides Antigua and Barbuda with a unique advantage. It reinforces the message that the islands are destinations where connection and tradition are central to the visitor experience, while ensuring that tourism continues to deliver tangible benefits to local communities.
