Creative Industries Minister Appeals to Hoteliers to Support Carnival

Creative Industries Minister Daryll Matthew is making an appeal to hoteliers and “others who benefit from the frontline of Carnival and other events” to financially support.

Matthew mentioned that it is imperative that these beneficiaries step forward as they “as it only fair and right that the hotels support our ability to bring additional guests here”.

He said on several occasions they boast record number of attendance but when approached some shy away.

“I want to use this opportunity that I have here also to really appeal to those persons who are on the front lines of being the beneficiary of Carnival to support Carnival.

“Specifically, I’m calling out the hoteliers. You know, we have hotels in Antigua and Barbuda who I’m happy for them. They’re doing well. If they do well, the country does well, and it’s a sign of confidence in the country but for specific events that attract persons to Antigua and Barbuda, they need to support those events, cricket and Carnival.”

“So, when we go to a hotel and we say, listen, can you sponsor Queen of Carnival? and they say, well, our budget is tight. Yes, but your revenues are good for the period that this very event that we’re asking you to sponsor supports. It’s only right and just and proper and reasonable that you support the event in a tangible way and not with, you know, a day pass here, or a day pass there. What we need is cold hard cash to pay for the event called Carnival,” Matthew said.

Carnival 2025 is scheduled for July 25- August 5.