Top travel advisors from Antigua and Barbuda main source markets for tourism – the United States, Canada, the UK and Europe and the Caribbean – were celebrated at a ‘black-tie’ gala and presentation ceremony held at Sandals Grande Resort on Friday night.
In attendance to say ‘thank you’ to the 70-plus travel advisors were senior officials of government, including the Governor General, Sir Rodney and Lady Williams and senior representatives from the Ministry of Tourism, the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA) and the Antigua and Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association (ABHTA).
The occasion was the 2nd annual Black Pineapple Awards, hosted jointly by the Ministry of Tourism and the ABTA.
Director of Policy and Planning, St. Clair Soleyn, who spoke on behalf of Tourism Minister Charles Max Fernandez, who was unavoidably absent, underscored the significance of naming the awards, the Black Pineapple Awards.
“As you know, the black pineapple is more than a fruit. It is a symbol of our heritage, our hospitality, and the unique authenticity of Antigua and Barbuda. This Awards Gala takes its name from a national treasure—something nurtured with care, shaped by our environment, and renowned throughout the world for its exceptional quality. And so, it is fitting that we use this symbol to honour those whose work embodies the same spirit of distinction,” he explained.
Soleyn noted that tourism remains one of the world’s most dynamic forces for development—creating jobs, building bridges between cultures, and opening opportunities that transform communities.
“Here in Antigua and Barbuda, we see this every day. Our twin-island nation continues to rise as a premier destination, driven by the strength of our partnerships: with airlines and cruise lines, with travel advisors and digital creators, with investors, innovators, and industry champions like the awardees in this room,” he remarked.
For Chief Executive Officer of the ABTA, Colin C. James, the evening’s festivities centred on one word – that is gratitude. He noted that tourism was not just an economic pillar, as it represented the heartbeat of the people, the communities and the dreams of the future.
“When you champion this country’s tourism and send visitors to our shores, do you know what you’re actually doing? You’re championing our culture, our experiences, and our hospitality. In doing so you help support families, empower small businesses, and uplift an entire country,” James stated.
He told the travel advisors that their work doesn’t just bring travellers to Antigua and Barbuda, it brings opportunity, it brings hope and it brings progress.
