Creative Industries Minister targets 10k international visitors for Carnival 2026

Creative Industries Minister Daryl Matthew has set a target of 10,000 international visitors for Antigua’s Carnival 2026, announcing a coordinated marketing strategy with the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority to position the country as the Caribbean’s premier festival destination.

Speaking at the official media launch of Antigua Carnival 2026 “Feel the Rhythm”, Minister Matthew pointed to growth in arrivals and participation during last year’s festival as the basis for the target, saying the numbers were expected to continue rising through partnerships with international marketing operators.

In order to achieve this ambitious goal, the minister said the Festivals Commission will continue to partner with the Ministry of Tourism and the Tourism Authority to market Antigua and Barbuda internationally, and with presence at Carnival in Trinidad and Tobago as part of that effort.

“These activations serve as Carnival teasers, building excitement, visibility, and driving early ticket sales well ahead of the summer season,” he said.

Diaspora engagement was identified as a central core of the promotional strategy with cooperators within the tourism marketing network being used to reach specific demographics abroad.

Deputy Chair of the Antigua and Barbuda Festival Commission, Senator Michael Freeland presented the schedule for the 2026 season, which runs from July 25 to August 4, with the official Carnival launch set for April 11 at Rising Sun Grounds.