Tourism Minister Charles Fernandez has praised the recent visit of international music producer DJ Khaled to Antigua, which he described as a fantastic opportunity to showcase the island’s culture and cuisine.

During his weekend stay, Khaled toured several local establishments, promoting authentic Antiguan experiences to his extensive social media following.

“This visit is significant, especially as we have our culture-culinary month,” Minister Fernandez explained. “One of our main goals during this time is to highlight our local eateries and the unique culinary experiences they offer.”

DJ Khaled’s itinerary included stops at popular local dining spots like Landing Strip and Perry Bay BBQ, allowing him to showcase the rich flavors of Antiguan cuisine to his millions of followers online.

The minister emphasized the importance of such celebrity visits in aligning with the ministry’s efforts to promote experiential tourism, encouraging visitors to seek genuine local experiences rather than just conventional vacation packages.

“That was a great opportunity for us to let people know that travel is about experiences, not just vacations,” Fernandez said. “And what better experience is there than enjoying local food?”

In addition to culinary delights, Khaled also engaged with the local entertainment scene by attending Claudette Peters’ Kiddies Fete at the Antigua Recreation Grounds. This event further highlighted the island’s vibrant cultural offerings.

Fernandez expressed appreciation for the impact of Khaled’s visit, stating, “We have local entertainment that showcases our culture. His attendance at the ARG for one of the shows was wonderful. I believe he’s done a tremendous job in terms of branding Antigua and Barbuda.”

With a focus on promoting the island’s unique cultural and culinary experiences, Antigua is poised to attract more visitors eager to explore its rich heritage.