The annual Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Awards Gala is approaching, and the Antigua & Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association, in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation & Investment and the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, is gearing up to celebrate the outstanding accomplishments of individuals in the tourism industry.

The event will take place on December 9, 2023, at Casa Palmadita, and will bring together professionals in the tourism sector for a night of celebration, glamour, and recognition of their contributions to the growth of Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism product.

The 2023 Tourism Awards Gala theme is “Diamonds, The Crowned Gems,” which symbolizes the exceptional commitment and excellence shown by industry professionals, who are recognized as invaluable gems.

Award recipients will be announced on the night of the gala, which promises to be a glittering celebration. Attendees are encouraged to dress radiantly for the occasion.

Charles Fernandez, Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation & Investment for Antigua and Barbuda, emphasized the importance of recognizing the contributions of individuals in the tourism industry, stating that the annual event is critical for the continued development and growth of the sector.

Craig Marshall, Chairman of the ABHTA, expressed his excitement for the award unveilings, stating that the ABHTA is dedicated to recognizing the heroes whose contributions are indispensable for the industry to reach its current level of success. 

This year’s tourism awards will showcase excellence in various categories, including:

• ABHTA Employee of the Year
• ABHTA 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 Employee of the Year
• Hospitality Hero of the Year
• Excellence in Tourism Operations
• Digital Marketing Excellence Award
• Social Media Marketing Award
• Lifetime Achievement Award

The Antigua & Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association, in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation & Investment, and the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, has initiated a process of open nominations from both private and public sector tourism businesses to select nominees for the upcoming Tourism Awards Gala.

The nominees are being assessed by a group of experienced tourism industry executives. The Awards Gala is scheduled to take place on December 9th, 2023, as part of Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Week, an annual event that runs from December 3 to December 9, 2023.

The theme of the event is “Our Tourism Industry: Carving a Path to Sustainability through an Empowered Workforce”.