Antigua and Barbuda continues to demonstrate its leadership in tourism development and environmental stewardship, as a team of national delegates participate in two prestigious training programmes currently taking place in the People’s Republic of China.
The Executive Director of the Antigua and Barbuda Hospitality Training Institute (ABHTI), Raynel Carroll, together with Shawn Benjamin, Community Relations Officer within the Ministry of Tourism, are representing the country at the 2025 China (Yantai) Island Nations Vocational Training Program on Tourism Management, hosted at Yantai Vocational College. This programme delivers advanced instruction on global tourism management strategies, destination marketing, sustainability frameworks, and community-driven development practices, areas that will directly enrich Antigua and Barbuda’s thriving hospitality sector.
At the same time, four others – Faye Shantia Weatherill, Camesha Joseph, Kerissa James, and Shakila Francis, are actively engaged in the Seminar on Green Economy and Environmental Protection for Developing Countries in Beijing. Organized by the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China and the National Academy of Forestry and Grassland Administration, this seminar focuses on pioneering eco-friendly practices, environmental conservation strategies, and sustainable development models that are particularly vital for small island developing states like Antigua and Barbuda.
The knowledge and practical insights gained from these programmes will not only strengthen Antigua and Barbuda’s human resource capacity but also help to build resilience, advance sustainable growth, and maintain the nation’s competitive edge in the global tourism industry.
Minister of Tourism, Charles Fernandez, hailed the participation of the delegates, noting that their involvement reflects the Government’s continued commitment to investing in its people and equipping them with the skills to drive innovation and sustainability across sectors.
“The professional development of our people remains central to the future of tourism and national growth,” Minister Fernandez stated. “By engaging in these global programmes, our delegates are expanding their expertise and strengthening Antigua and Barbuda’s ability to balance world-class tourism development with the highest standards of environmental responsibility. This also reflects our strong and growing partnership with the People’s Republic of China, which continues to provide opportunities for knowledge exchange and capacity building.”
These initiatives represent a powerful step forward in Antigua and Barbuda’s mission to cultivate a skilled workforce, embrace innovative solutions, and safeguard the environment, ensuring that the twin-island state remains at the forefront of sustainable tourism development in the Caribbean and beyond.
