Hey everyone. Let’s talk about culture. And connection. The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority just returned from the International Arts Festival in New Orleans. We didn’t just go there to talk about our beautiful beaches. We went to share our heart. Our music. Our food. Our people. This is how we build a new kind of tourism. One that gives back.
More Than Beaches: A Cultural Mission
We sent a team to the Sister City Summit. Arah Robins, our Marketing Executive, and Annie Liverpool-Charles, our Sales and Marketing Officer, led the charge. Their goal was simple but powerful. Show the world that Antigua and Barbuda is a cultural hub. A place where tradition lives and breathes. They met with tourism leaders from across the globe. The conversations were about heritage. Sustainability. Making sure our local communities benefit from every visitor who discovers our islands.
The Heart of the Discussion: Inclusive Tourism
Arah Robins took the stage at a major panel discussion. The topic was “Tourism and Cultural Economies.” The big question? How to make tourism more inclusive for local communities. She shared the stage with mayors and experts from Benin, Jamaica, and Ghana. It was a global conversation. And we were at the center of it.
Arah explained how our signature events drive our economy.
- Carnival: The rhythm of our summer. It attracts global visitors. It also creates income for local musicians, dancers, and costume designers.
- Culinary Month: A celebration of our flavors. It puts our local chefs and restaurateurs in the spotlight. Visitors get a true taste of the islands.
- Art Week: This event showcases the incredible talent of our painters, sculptors, and craftspeople.
Her message was clear. “Antigua and Barbuda’s culture is the heartbeat of our tourism industry”. We are committed to ensuring that when you experience our traditions, the people who create them are the ones who benefit the most.
Bringing the Islands to the People
We didn’t stop with policy talk. We brought a piece of the Caribbean straight to the people of New Orleans.
On the Airwaves
Arah did interviews with local radio stations KZEM 102.9 FM and the Cumulus Radio Network. She spoke directly to U.S. audiences. She told them about our islands. Our culture. Why were we at the festival?
A Taste of Antigua in Congo Square
At the huge Congo Square concert on September 28, we set up a booth. It was buzzing with energy. Over 5,000 people gathered for the music. We hosted a raffle for two round-trip tickets to Antigua and Barbuda. The excitement was real.
Then there was the rum. Our mixologist, Toray Manwarren, prepared samples of authentic Antiguan rum punch using English Harbour Rum. It was a hit. A simple taste that let people imagine the warmth of our shores.
Building Bridges with City Leaders
Our team also met with New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell. We collaborated with Rosine Pema Sanga, the city’s Director of International Relations. These meetings weren’t just formalities. They were the start of something. We laid the foundation for future cultural collaborations. We strengthened ties that will last for years.
Why This Festival Mattered for Antigua and Barbuda
This wasn’t just a trip. It was a strategic move. The International Arts Festival was a platform for cultural diplomacy. It let us share our heritage with new audiences. It helped us connect with our diaspora community. It reinforced our goals for sustainable tourism.
In a competitive travel market, this sets us apart. Travelers want more than a vacation. They want a connection. A real story to tell. We show them that in Antigua and Barbuda, local connection and tradition are at the center of everything we do.
A Festival of Global Sounds
The New Orleans International Arts Festival was a three-day celebration of global culture. The city was alive with music. The Fillmore Theater featured jazz and soul greats Gerald Albright and Big Chief Donald Harrison Jr. The Orpheum Theater welcomed stars like Estelle and Kenya Vaun. The festival culminated at historic Congo Square with a massive outdoor concert. Over 5,000 people saw performances by Steel Pulse, Luciano, and others. It was the perfect backdrop for our message of cultural unity.
Our Vision for the Future of Travel
Our work in New Orleans is a blueprint for our future. We believe travel should be a force for good. It should inspire visitors. It should also empower locals. Our cultural treasures—from Carnival to our culinary traditions—are our greatest asset. We will continue to share them with the world. We will ensure the benefits flow back to the artisans, musicians, and entrepreneurs who make our culture so vibrant.
We invite you to come see it for yourself. Experience the energy of our festivals. Taste the passion in our food. Feel the rhythm of our islands. Discover the culture behind the beaches.
