Content creators across Antigua and Barbuda are being invited to showcase how they promote the twin-island destination online, with submissions now open for the 2026 Social Media Excellence Awards.

The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA) and the Antigua and Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association (ABHTA), in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation and Investment, officially opened entries on August 31.

The awards recognise local creators who use social media to tell the story of Antigua and Barbuda and encourage people to experience the destination.

Content highlighting everything from Carnival, Sailing Week and Art Week to local cuisine, the country’s 365 beaches, Barbuda and everyday island life will be considered.

This year’s competition has been expanded to include a wider pool of local creators, reflecting what organisers say is the growing importance of social media to the country’s tourism marketing.

“Social media has transformed the way people discover and choose destinations, and our local creators are some of our most powerful storytellers,” ABTA Digital Media Manager Sharifa George said.

“Through their creativity, unique perspectives and genuine experiences, they are helping to showcase the many reasons why Antigua and Barbuda should be on every traveller’s list.”

George said the awards are also intended to encourage more high-quality content that presents the destination to local and international audiences.

Qasim Henry of Antigua Inside Out was named the winner of the inaugural awards in 2025.

For this year’s competition, entrants must submit three pieces of destination-related content produced between September 1, 2025 and August 31, 2026.

Creators must be residents of Antigua and Barbuda and have at least 3,000 followers on one of the eligible platforms, Instagram, TikTok or YouTube.

Entrants must also regularly produce content about Antigua and Barbuda, including travel, food, culture, events, experiences, hidden gems or practical travel tips.

They are required to demonstrate consistent destination storytelling by having posted at least two pieces of relevant content per month during the 12-month eligibility period.

Entries must be original, and creators must hold or be able to grant the necessary rights for their work to be used by the Tourism Authority for promotional purposes.

Organisers are also placing emphasis on the public conduct of entrants. Submitted material, as well as a creator’s broader public content, must be free from profanity and indecent, hateful or discriminatory language.

They said follower numbers or strong engagement will not override that requirement, as the awards are intended to recognise creators who can serve as positive representatives of Antigua and Barbuda.

The deadline for submissions is September 30 at 11:59 p.m.

Entries will then undergo a three-week judging process, which is expected to conclude by October 23.

The 2026 winner will be announced in November.