The Caribbean nation of Antigua and Barbuda is set to celebrate its most productive travel industry partners during the prestigious 2025 Black Pineapple Awards ceremony. Organized collaboratively by the Ministry of Tourism and the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA), this gala event acknowledges the exceptional contributions of travel professionals from key source markets who have significantly driven tourism growth to the twin-island destination.
Approximately seventy elite travel advisors from the United States, United Kingdom, Europe, Canada, the Caribbean, and Latin America will converge at Sandals Grande Antigua Resort and Spa on December 5, 2025, for the honors ceremony. These distinguished agents have demonstrated remarkable success in promoting Antigua and Barbuda as a premier travel destination.
The Honourable Charles Fernandez, Minister of Tourism, emphasized the importance of these partnerships, stating: ‘The Black Pineapple Awards represent our profound gratitude for the excellence and experiences delivered by our travel advisors. Each recommendation they make directly contributes to our destination’s prosperity, and such dedication deserves proper recognition.’
Colin C. James, CEO of ABTA, highlighted the successful collaboration: ‘Our travel agent partners have developed a genuine affinity for Antigua and Barbuda, which has translated into outstanding sales performance across all markets. Their investment in promoting our destination matches our own commitment, and we take pride in celebrating their achievements.’
Accompanying the honorees will be the Directors of Tourism for each region—Dean Fenton (USA), Cherrie Osborne (UK and Europe), Charmaine Spencer (Caribbean and Latin America), and Tameka Wharton (Canada)—alongside Business Development Managers from respective markets.
The awards ceremony will feature several distinguished categories, including the Director’s Award for exceptional room night sales, the CEO’s Award for market-specific booking performance, the Minister’s Award for consistent destination promotion, and the Prime Minister’s Global Award—the highest honor presented to the top-performing advisor across all markets for extraordinary annual revenue generation. The global award winner will receive a unique artisan-crafted wooden sculpture depicting the twin islands featuring the iconic Antigua Black pineapple.
Beyond the awards gala, recipients will experience an exclusive curated itinerary showcasing Antigua and Barbuda’s premier attractions. The program includes accommodations at luxury resorts such as Blue Waters Resort, Galley Bay Resort and Spa, and Royalton Chic, complemented by activities ranging from welcome receptions at Tamarind Hills to comprehensive land and sea tours. Cultural highlights include visits to the UNESCO World Heritage Site at Shirley Heights, the Frigate Bird Sanctuary, and the picturesque Princess Diana Beach in Barbuda.