Antigua and Barbuda’s Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation and Investment, Charles “Max” Fernandez, will join a high-profile roster of regional leaders, cultural icons, and global tourism executives at Caribbean Week in New York (CWNY) 2025, the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s (CTO) premier promotional event in North America.
Taking place from 1–6 June under the theme “Caribbean Resilience: Crafting Tomorrow’s Tourism,” the event coincides with Caribbean-American Heritage Month and will feature discussions on innovation, sustainable development, and the Caribbean’s cultural influence on the global stage.
Minister Fernandez, a key figure in Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism transformation, is expected to represent the twin-island state in several high-level engagements. He has led initiatives such as the Tourism Vision 2032 strategy, cruise sector redevelopment, and major resort investments while championing sustainable development, job creation, and skills training.
“A respected leader dedicated to service and community upliftment, Minister Fernandez has played a key role in transforming Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism landscape,” CTO noted in a statement welcoming his participation.
He joins a distinguished lineup that includes:
- Christine Duffy, President, Carnival Cruise Line
- Peter Greenberg, CBS News Travel Editor
- Jennifer Bisram, CBS New York Reporter
- Joseph Boschulte, USVI Tourism Commissioner
- Cardigan Connor, Anguilla Tourism Minister
- Owen Darrell, Bermuda’s Tourism Minister
- Latia Duncombe, Director General, Bahamas Ministry of Tourism
- Marsha Henderson, St. Kitts and Nevis Tourism Minister
- Marva Williams, CEO, Discover Dominica Authority
The event also features cultural stars such as Dominica’s Bouyon artist Asa Banton and Olympic gold medallist Thea LaFond, as well as senior officials from Barbados, the Cayman Islands, and beyond.
Innovation, Culture, and Connectivity on Display
CWNY 2025 will spotlight the Caribbean’s growing influence through events such as:
- The launch of the CTO Reimagine Plan
- Forums on AI, cruise and airline connectivity
- The Caribbean Media Awards
- The Caribbean Women’s Leadership Dinner and Awards
- Sessions on the Orange Economy and emerging tourism markets
- Relaunch of the Hospitality Assured certification programme
Caribbean Cultural Showcase in Times Square
A new addition to this year’s schedule is the Caribbean Cultural Showcase, taking place on Thursday 5 June from 4 PM to 8 PM at The Westin New York in Times Square. The event will feature music by The Legendary Supreme Team, Caribbean cuisine, art, and exclusive travel offers. Tickets are available at: bit.ly/caribbeanculturalshowcasetickets
Nex-Gen Tourism: Youth Innovation Finalists
On 3 June, the Regional Nex-Gen Tourism Showcase will feature student-led proposals on sustainable tourism. Finalist universities include:
- University College of the Cayman Islands – Dark Tourism
- UWI Cave Hill (Barbados) – Agri-Edu Tourism
- UWI Mona (Jamaica) – Medical Cannabis Tourism
- UWI St. Augustine (Trinidad & Tobago) – Agri-Edu Tourism
Supported by Caribbean Airlines, the IDB, Travel Unity and others, the initiative reflects CTO’s focus on resilience through youth empowerment and innovation.