Antigua and Barbuda center stage in New York Parade The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA) took center stage in the West Indian American Labor Day parade in Brooklyn, NY. Under the leadership of the ABTA USA Director of Tourism, Dean Fenton, in collaboration with WPIX 11 (PIX11), Antigua and Barbuda were official event sponsors. Director Fenton did a live on-air interview and used the opportunity to promote Antigua and Barbuda’s carnival, sharing, “The parade’s artistic and historical significance is undeniable, with exceptional costumes. Most importantly, the parade showcases participants’ pride in their country, heritage, and culture.” He continued, “This event has its roots in more traditionally timed, pre-Lent Carnival celebrations, while the carnival that we stage in Antigua and Barbuda celebrates emancipation from slavery, and we invite all your viewers to it.”Now in its 57th year, the annual Labor Day event turns the borough’s Eastern Parkway into a kaleidoscope of [...]

The State of the Caribbean Tourism Industry Tourism growth – in land and sea visitor arrivals, accommodations development and infrastructure building – is in focus for Caribbean destinations attending this week’s State of the Industry Conference hosted by the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO). Several countries, including the Cayman Islands, the conference’s host nation, and Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados and the U.S. Virgin Islands all reported increased year-over-year visitor arrivals growth. At the same time, first-half cruise arrivals were higher for several countries. Regional tourism officials also provided updates on new and continuing expansion projects at air and cruise ports. “This is a critical time for tourism in the region as we welcome new and increased airlift and cruise calls to our destinations,” said Ian Gooding-Edghill, the Barbados tourism minister, who was elected CTO’s chairman during the conference. Gooding-Edghill replaces Kenneth Bryan, the Cayman Islands tourism minister, in the role. ANGUILLA  [...]

Americans set to break new travel records Travel within the United States is projected to return to pre-pandemic levels, with an estimated 1.24 billion trips anticipated across the 50 states, highlighting Orlando and Las Vegas as the primary destinations. As the summer holiday season commences, Americans are anticipated to travel at unprecedented rates, approaching figures seen before the pandemic, as reported by Euromonitor International. Travel within the United States is projected to return to pre-pandemic levels, with an estimated 1.24 billion trips anticipated across the 50 states, highlighting Orlando and Las Vegas as the primary destinations. The latest travel survey reveals that travel intentions among Americans differ across generations, mirroring larger trends related to work flexibility and the effects of climate change. Baby Boomers primarily schedule their vacations for June and July, capitalizing on the conventional summer months. In contrast, Generation X prefers July and August, while Millennials and Generation Z are increasingly [...]