The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA) and the Antigua and Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association (ABHTA), in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation, and Investment, have officially opened submissions for the 2026 Social Media Excellence Awards. They invite content creators and social media storytellers across Antigua and Barbuda to showcase their creativity and contribution to destination promotion.
The awards recognize local creators who use digital platforms to authentically tell the story of Antigua and Barbuda and inspire audiences to discover the destination. From the energy and color of Carnival and the excitement of Sailing Week to the creativity of Art Week, the flavors of the islands’ culinary scene, the beauty of its 365 beaches, the unique experiences of Barbuda, and the everyday moments that make Antigua and Barbuda special, creators continue to play an important role in shaping how the destination is experienced and perceived online.
This year’s awards expand the call to a wider pool of local creators, recognizing the growing role of social media in destination storytelling and the valuable contribution of authentic, locally produced content to Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism marketing efforts.
“Social media has transformed the way people discover and choose destinations, and our local creators are some of our most powerful storytellers,” said Sharifa George, Digital Media Manager of the ABTA. “Through their creativity, unique perspectives, and genuine experiences, they are helping to showcase the many reasons why Antigua and Barbuda should be on every traveler’s list. The Social Media Excellence Awards provide an opportunity to celebrate that contribution while encouraging even more high-quality destination storytelling.”
The inaugural 2025 Social Media Excellence Awards highlighted the creativity and impact of local content creators who continue to tell the story of Antigua and Barbuda through compelling digital storytelling. Demonstrating the power of authentic storytelling and showcasing the destination to audiences both locally and internationally, the 2025 winner was Qasim Henry of Antigua_Inside_Out.
The success of the 2025 awards has helped to build momentum for the 2026 program, which expands the call to a wider pool of creators and continues to recognize those who consistently use their platforms to highlight the beauty, culture, experiences, and people of Antigua and Barbuda.