Antigua and Barbuda brings its Caribbean identity to the Destinations Holiday and Travel Show in London

Antigua and Barbuda strengthened its position in the European market with a prominent presence at the Destinations: Holiday and Travel Show, held at Olympia London. The event brought together thousands of travelers and industry professionals, who visited the destination's stand to learn about the Caribbean nation's plans for 2026.

During the fair, the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority team presented its calendar of events on the island, which includes iconic celebrations such as Carnival and Art Week, as well as a strong focus on gastronomy as a key tourist attraction.

Considered one of the UK's largest travel consumer events, the show attracts around 50,000 attendees over four days, all seeking inspiration and advice for their next holiday. This year, Antigua and Barbuda was joined by hotel partners such as Elite Island Resorts and Azingo Hospitality, showcasing the diversity of its accommodation options, from boutique hotels to large-scale resorts.

One of the highlights was the appearance of chef Kareem Roberts, ambassador of Antigua and Barbuda's culinary heritage, who took to the Taste The World stage to promote the destination's upcoming Culinary Month. There, he gave a live demonstration of traditional tamarind balls, alongside British chef and presenter Andrew Dickens, who delved into the cultural significance of this iconic treat.

The event attracted numerous visitors, who later participated in a tasting at the stand. In addition, Roberts presented his recently released cookbook, Cassava and Cardamom, reinforcing the link between gastronomy and the destination's cultural identity.

“This is an incredible opportunity to share what Antigua and Barbuda has to offer through food. From our landscapes to our people, there is enormous potential to be discovered, and we are only just beginning to showcase the creativity, flavors, and experiences that make our islands truly unique,” ​​the chef said.

For her part, Cherrie Osborne, Director of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority for the UK and Europe, noted that participation in these types of events is key to showcasing the destination's culture and heritage. “By highlighting distinctive offerings and events like Culinary Month 2026, we can demonstrate what makes our islands different for travelers. Ambassadors like Kareem connect with the public and bring our stories to life,” she stated.

Participation in the Destinations: Holiday and Travel Show allowed thousands of visitors to gain a renewed image of Antigua and Barbuda, consolidating the destination as an attractive option for British travelers who are already starting to plan their holidays for 2026 and the following years.

SOURCE
Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority