Antigua and Barbuda celebrated its inaugural Antigua and Barbuda Black Pineapple Awards on 07DEC 2024 at the Sandals Grande Antigua Resort and Spa.
The event, hosted by the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority and the Ministry of Tourism, recognized the contributions of travel professionals from around the globe who have significantly boosted the country’s tourism sector.
Named after the Antigua Black Pineapple—a symbol of hospitality and excellence— the awards honoured 100 top travel advisors from Canada, the UK and Europe, the U.S., the Caribbean, and Latin America.
Canadian advisors were celebrated for driving a 13% increase in Canadian arrivals by October 2024 compared to the previous year.
Award Categories
Special awards were presented to recognize outstanding achievements:
- Director’s Award: Honouring agents with exceptional room night sales.
- CEO’s Award: Celebrating individuals who excelled in driving bookings from their respective markets.
- Minister’s Award: Recognizing dedication to promoting Antigua and Barbuda while generating significant revenue.
- Prime Minister’s Global Award: The evening’s highest accolade, awarded to the top-performing agent globally for exceptional results and revenue generation.
Among the honorees, more than 60 travel professionals, including 25 Canadian agents, attended the gala.
"It is an honour and privilege to celebrate travel advisors, who form the backbone of the tourism industry," " said Charles Fernandez, Minister of Tourism for Antigua and Barbuda. "Their expertise enhances travel experiences and also plays a pivotal role in attracting first-time visitors to Antigua and Barbuda.
"The advisors that we are honouring have demonstrated excellence in promoting our twin-islands, and the Black Pineapple Awards reflect our appreciation for their dedication and commitment."
"Our travel advisors are ambassadors for Antigua and Barbuda," said Colin C. James, CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority. "They are an important point of contact with our visitors and potential visitors. Their passion and ability to share their knowledge of Antigua and Barbuda’s unique charm, and to create memorable experiences for those who are planning a vacation and exploring options, is a key component to our success.
"We are proud to honour them for their role in our continued tourism growth."
