The Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation and Investment is pleased to announce its week of activities for Tourism Week 2026, under the theme “Empowering Our People for the Future: Embracing AI, Building Skills and Securing Careers.”
This year’s activities will take place between November 22–29 and will place emphasis on the importance of developing the skills, knowledge and capabilities of the people who drive the tourism industry, while exploring how emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), can help shape the future of the sector and create new opportunities for Antiguans and Barbudans.
The week of activities will commence on Sunday, November 22, with a Service of Thanksgiving at 8:00 a.m. at the Spring Gardens Moravian Church. The Ministry invites tourism stakeholders, industry partners, tourism workers and members of the wider community to join in giving thanks for the continued contribution of the tourism industry to national development and the livelihoods of the people of Antigua and Barbuda.
On Monday, November 23, the Ministry will host its Tourism Symposium, beginning at 9:00 a.m. Guided by this year’s theme, the symposium will provide an opportunity to examine the evolving tourism landscape, with particular attention to the role of artificial intelligence, workforce development, skills training and career opportunities within the industry. The event will bring together stakeholders and participants to consider how Antigua and Barbuda can prepare its people for the changing demands of the global tourism sector. Registration will be required and details regarding the venue and registration will be announced at a later date.
The activities continue on Wednesday, November 25, with Know Your Product Day, an initiative designed to strengthen employees’ appreciation and understanding of the destination they help to promote and serve. Staff of the Ministry and its statutory bodies will participate in a day-long experience of Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism product, providing an opportunity to explore the country’s attractions, experiences and offerings first-hand. The initiative reinforces the importance of destination knowledge among those working within the tourism sector and encourages a deeper appreciation of the country’s tourism assets.
On Thursday, November 26, attention will turn to Barbuda, where representatives from the Ministry, the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority and other tourism stakeholders will participate in Barbuda Day. The initiative will focus on engaging students and raising awareness of the importance of tourism to the economic and social development of Antigua and Barbuda. Through sensitisation and interaction, students will learn about the various career paths and opportunities available within the industry, encouraging them to consider tourism as a viable and rewarding field of professional development.
The Ministry’s commitment to community development will take centre stage on Friday, November 27, with its annual Tourism Gives Back initiative. This charitable undertaking provides an opportunity for the tourism sector to extend its reach beyond economic activity by supporting organisations within the community that would benefit from donations and assistance. The initiative reflects the importance of corporate responsibility, community partnership and giving back to those in need.
The week will culminate on Sunday, November 29, with the National Tourism Awards Gala, scheduled for 6:00 p.m. at Casa Palmadita. The gala will recognise and celebrate the individuals and organisations whose dedication, professionalism and outstanding service contribute to the success and continued development of Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism industry.
The awards will shine a spotlight on the many people and institutions that keep the sector moving, including those within the hotel and accommodation industry, taxi associations, tour guiding services, Customs, Immigration and other critical areas of the tourism value chain. Their collective efforts play an essential role in shaping the visitor experience and strengthening the destination’s reputation.
Through this year’s theme, the Ministry reaffirms the importance of investing in people, embracing innovation and equipping the workforce with the skills necessary to sustain a competitive, resilient and forward-looking tourism industry.
This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Ministry of Tourism Unveils Tourism Week 2026 Activities Celebrating People, Progress and Innovation..