The Antigua & Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association (ABHTA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation and Investment and the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA), proudly announces the return of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Awards 2026, an annual celebration recognising the outstanding individuals and organisations whose dedication, innovation and commitment to service continue to shape the nation’s tourism industry.
Set for Sunday, 29 November 2026, at Casa Palmadita, this year’s prestigious gala will unfold under the theme “Bal masqué du Carnaval”, promising an elegant Carnival-inspired masquerade experience that brings together the glamour of a formal awards ceremony and the vibrant spirit of Antigua’s Carnival.
Inspired by the artistry, music, movement and pageantry of Antigua’s Carnival, the evening will also pay tribute to the island’s 70th anniversary of Carnival celebrations. Guests will be taken on an immersive journey through the Carnival experience.
Beyond the festivities, the evening will place the spotlight firmly on the people who are the driving force behind Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism success, recognising the passion, professionalism and exceptional service that continue to distinguish the destination on the global stage.
Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation and Investment, the Honourable Charles ‘Max’ Fernandez, stated:
“Tourism is, at its heart, a people-driven industry, and these Awards provide an important opportunity to honour the men and women whose dedication, creativity and commitment to excellence continue to make Antigua and Barbuda a destination of choice. As we look forward to the celebration of the 70th anniversary of Antigua’s Carnival, we are reminded of the creativity, energy and cultural pride that are part of our national identity. At the same time, our Tourism Week 2026 theme, ‘Empowering Our People for the Future: Embracing AI, Building Skills and Securing Careers,’ challenges us to look ahead and ensure that our people are equipped to thrive in an evolving tourism industry. Tonight, we celebrate excellence in the present while investing in the people, skills and innovation that will shape the future of tourism in Antigua and Barbuda.”
ABHTA Chairman, Brian Murphy, added:
“We are incredibly excited to celebrate the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Awards 2026 with Bal masqué du Carnaval, an extraordinary evening that will bring together the elegance of a formal awards ceremony and the vibrant energy, colour and pageantry of our beloved Carnival. As we commemorate 70 years of Carnival celebrations, this year’s event promises to be a truly memorable experience, celebrating our rich cultural heritage while honouring the remarkable people who are the heartbeat of our tourism industry. Their passion, dedication and commitment to excellence continue to define Antigua and Barbuda as a world-class destination. This is their night to shine, and we look forward to celebrating them in grand style.”
The 2026 Tourism Awards will recognise outstanding achievements across thirteen categories, celebrating excellence at every level of the tourism and hospitality industry:
Employee of the Year
Supervisor of the Year
Rising Star of the Year
Young Hotelier of the Year
Young Chef of the Year
Chef of the Year
Transportation Service Provider of the Year
Tour Guide of the Year
Port Frontline (Sea) Employee of the Year
Port Frontline (Air) Employee of the Year
Customer Service Excellence Award
Social Media Excellence Award
Lifetime Achievement Award
Nominations were open to tourism businesses and organisations across both the private and public sectors, providing an opportunity to recognise individuals who consistently demonstrate excellence, leadership and innovation in their respective fields.
All nominees underwent a comprehensive selection process, which included the submission of applications and interviews with a distinguished panel of industry professionals. Nominees in the culinary categories were also required to demonstrate their skills through practical assessments, preparing and presenting dishes for evaluation by a panel of professional chefs.
Winners will be selected based on their overall performance throughout the evaluation process, with award recipients to be officially announced and celebrated at the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Awards Gala on 29 November 2026.
The Tourism Awards Gala will serve as the grand finale of Tourism Week 2026, observed from 22–29 November 2026, under the theme “Empowering Our People for the Future: Embracing AI, Building Skills and Securing Careers.”
Throughout the week, a series of activities will highlight the importance of investing in the industry’s workforce, embracing emerging technologies and strengthening the skills needed to ensure a competitive and sustainable tourism sector.
As Antigua and Barbuda prepares for another exciting winter tourism season, the Tourism Awards Gala will provide a fitting conclusion to the week’s celebrations, honouring the people whose hard work and dedication continue to make the destination a leader in Caribbean hospitality.
This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Awards 2026 to Celebrate Hospitality Excellence with a Carnival-Inspired Masquerade Gala.