At the Women in Tourism Leadership Dinner & Awards during Caribbean Week in New York, Antigua and Barbuda took the stage — not only as one of the evening’s proud sponsors, but as a passionate advocate for gender inclusion and leadership in regional tourism.

Colin C. James, CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, opened the night with charisma and Caribbean charm, hailing the strength, style and sisterhood of the women shaping our industry:

“The world may be 70% water, but tonight it’s 100% women making waves.”

Charles Henry Fernandez, Minister of Tourism, Investment and Economic Development, underscored Antigua and Barbuda’s deep commitment to empowering women at all levels of society — from frontline hospitality to national leadership roles.

“These appointments are not symbolic — they’re transformative.”

Together, they honored the phenomenal women leading the region forward — with stilettos high, impact higher, and excellence on full display.