The Antigua & Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association (ABHTA) is excited to share that we have been named a finalist for the Social Responsibility Award at the CHIEF Awards 2026, in recognition of our Taste of Wadadli Junior Chef Academy!
Adding to this exciting news, Jumby Bay Island has also been selected as a finalist in the People Development & Support Award category for it’s Team Member Empowerment Initiative, marking a proud moment for Antigua and Barbuda as two organisations receive recognition on the regional stage.
Hosted by the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), the Caribbean Hospitality Industry Exchange Forum (CHIEF) brings together hospitality professionals and industry leaders from across the region to exchange ideas, share best practices and explore opportunities to strengthen the Caribbean’s tourism industry. The CHIEF Awards recognise outstanding initiatives making a meaningful impact within the hospitality sector.
For ABHTA, this recognition is particularly meaningful as it highlights the continued impact of the Taste of Wadadli Junior Chef Academy in nurturing the next generation of culinary professionals.
Through the programme, aspiring young chefs are provided with opportunities to develop their culinary skills, gain hands-on experience at participating hotels and learn directly from experienced industry chefs and mentors.
Beyond culinary training, the Academy focuses on building confidence, encouraging professional development and creating pathways for young people interested in pursuing careers within Antigua and Barbuda’s hospitality industry.
This achievement would not have been possible without the dedication and commitment of the programme partners, participating hotels, chef mentors and supporters.
The ABHTA extends sincere appreciation to everyone who has contributed to the programme’s success and continues to invest in the development of young people.
The ABHTA is equally delighted to congratulate its member property, Jumby Bay Island, on being selected as a finalist in the People Development & Support Award category for its Team Member Empowerment Initiative.
At Jumby Bay Island, team members are at the heart of everything they do. Through the Team Member Empowerment Initiative, the property has introduced programmes focused on financial literacy, mental health and wellness, and team member engagement, demonstrating its commitment to supporting the personal and professional well-being of its employees.
This regional recognition highlights Jumby Bay Island’s dedication to fostering a supportive workplace environment where team members feel valued, empowered and encouraged to thrive.
With two organisations from Antigua and Barbuda recognised among the region’s finalists, these nominations reflect the continued efforts of the hospitality industry to invest in people, develop talent and create meaningful opportunities
The CHIEF Awards ceremony will take place on Monday, November 16, 2026, in Barbados, as part of CHIEF 2026, scheduled for November 16–18.
Members of the public and industry stakeholders are encouraged to follow the Antigua & Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association (@antiguahotels) on Facebook and Instagram for updates on the awards ceremony and the achievements of both finalists.
This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: ABHTA and Jumby Bay Island Named Finalists in Two Prestigious Regional Hospitality Award Categories.