Antigua and Barbuda’s Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation and Investment has officially launched the nomination period for the 2026 National Tourism Awards, an annual program designed to shine a spotlight on the standout individuals who drive quality, professionalism, and innovation forward across the nation’s vital tourism sector.
For years, the National Tourism Awards has held a central place in the country’s annual Tourism Week festivities. Far more than just a ceremonial event, the awards create a critical space to celebrate the behind-the-scenes workers and leaders whose daily dedication shapes unforgettable visitor experiences, and in turn, reinforces Antigua and Barbuda’s standing as one of the Caribbean’s most sought-after premier travel destinations. This legacy of celebrating industry-wide excellence stretches back through every iteration of the awards, which have remained a cornerstone of Tourism Week since their launch.
In 2026, five distinct award categories will be open for nominations, each targeting a key segment of the tourism supply chain. These categories include Port Frontline Employee of the Year (Airport), Port Frontline Employee of the Year (Seaport), Customer Service Excellence, Tour Guide of the Year, and Transportation Service Provider of the Year.
Government officials are actively urging members of the public, local tourism stakeholders, and national and international industry partners to participate in the nomination process. The call to action emphasizes the importance of recognizing the people and organizations that consistently go above and beyond to deliver exceptional service, uphold rigorous professional standards, and demonstrate unwavering commitment to elevating Antigua and Barbuda’s overall tourism offering.
All nomination submissions must be received by the ministry no later than Friday, October 2, 2026. Nomination forms can be picked up in person at the Ministry of Tourism’s offices located in the Government Offices Complex on Queen Elizabeth Highway. For any questions or additional support with the nomination process, interested individuals can reach out to ministry representative Ms. Annette Michael directly by phone at 764-5080.