The twin-island destination is set to host around 20 top-selling agents from the UK at its first-ever Black Pineapple Awards this December, on the back of what Colin James, CEO of the Antigua & Barbuda Tourism Authority, has described as a "remarkable" year
"Remarkable" stacks up, too; the destination is "well on target" to beat 2019's figures, previously holding the record for Antigua & Barbuda's best-ever year in tourism. So far this year, tracking is around 16% above those year's numbers.
"This year has already been a remarkable year, welcoming the highest ever arrival numbers into Antigua & Barbuda from all overseas markets."
Such results are cause for celebration; this year, over 100 of the top-selling travel agents globally for the islands (including around 20 from the UK) will be welcomed for the inaugural Black Pineapple Awards, hoping "to recognise all that [agents] do" for the destination.
Colin believes these numbers represent much more than an upward trend on a visitation graph. "Our people understand how much this industry means to us, they really take it seriously.
"We aim not just to have a good product, but have first-class service for all visitors to really make that holiday experience memorable."
While the countdown to next month's awards is very much on, no effort was spared in the destination's approach to World Travel Market, which Colin described as "one of the top events we attend anywhere in the world," noting how valuable it is in crafting the destination's narrative.
"Engagement, networking and building relationships are key. One of the strongest relationships we have as a destination is with the UK travel trade... for that we are grateful and we want to say a big thank you."
WTM London 2024 took place at ExCel London from November 5th to 7th, 2024.
