Antigua and Barbuda celebrate top-selling travel advisors with the inaugural Black Pineapple Awards 

The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA) hosted its first ever Black Pineapple Awards from December 4-9, recognizing the achievements of 100 top-selling travel advisors from four source markets, including 25 from Canada.

“This year will be a record year for tourism in Antigua and Barbuda. Since we are having such a remarkable year, we thought what better way to end the year than to recognize and celebrate the people who got us so far? We wanted to really let them feel special because they’re special to us,” Colin James, CEO of the ABTA, told Travel Press Today (TPT).

The awards are named for the Antigua black pineapple. According to James, the iconic fruit “is reputed to be the sweetest pineapple in the world, so it’s fitting that we have the black pineapple awards for some of the sweetest people we know who help us do what we do in tourism and help us make a living.”

The Honourable Charles Fernandez, Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation and Investment, discussed the importance of travel advisors, saying the awards “celebrate the vital role that travel agents play in Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism landscape. In our ever-evolving world where technology transforms the way people plan and book their vacations, the role of travel agents has become even more critical. They bridge the gap between a vast array of options available to travelers and the unique experiences our islands have to offer.”

In the first official welcome event, ABTA officials gathered with advisors for a beach barbecue at The Verandah Resort & Spa. Sherrie Ault, director of product administration at Elite Island Resorts, told the group, “it’s such an honour that we have the top 100 travel advisors here. Our hotels are full, so thank you, thank you, thank you. On behalf of our chairman Rob Barrett, we really appreciate your business.”

The all-expenses paid trip also included relaxation time in resorts across Antigua and exciting FAM experiences like snorkeling with sea turtles, a sunset BBQ party at Shirley Heights Lookout, a chocolate-making tour and a visit to the Charter Yacht Meeting at Nelson’s Dockyard.

Canadian travel advisors recognized in winner’s circle 

The awards gala at Sandals Grande Antigua saw attendance from officials including Deputy Governor General Sir Clare Roberts, Minister Fernandez, and Ministry of Tourism communications officer Samoya Kirby.

25 Canadian travel advisors were honoured with a Black Pineapple Award, with three receiving additional recognition:

• Debra Morra of Flight Centre in Pickering, ON received the Director’s Award, presented to advisors who exemplified outstanding achievement in room night sales
• Kimberly Hartlen of Kim Hartlen Travel/Trevello in Halifax, NS received the CEO’s Award, presented to advisors with exceptional achievement in driving bookings
• Karen Katelnikoff of Uniglobe Carefree Travel in Saskatoon, SK received the Minister’s Award, presented to advisors with outstanding achievement in revenue generation

An energizing show from Carnival dancers at the awards gala echoed the excitement agents felt about receiving the honour. “When I found out, I danced around my house and rescheduled my vacation to Costa Rica to attend,” said Victoria Guest of Trip Central. When she got the call, Tari W. of The Travel Agent Next Door in St. Catharines, ON was “in slight disbelief, and called my husband right away.”

The advisors’ achievements and resulting economic impact on Antigua and Barbuda were highlighted by Minister Fernandez in his address to the crowd: “The impact of travel agents extends far beyond individual travelers. Tourism is the cornerstone of our economy, contributing significantly to employment and livelihoods in our communities. By promoting Antigua and Barbuda as a premier destination, travel agents help create jobs in hotels, restaurants, attractions and other services, fostering economic growth. Each booking represents not just a transaction, but a lifeline for families and businesses across our islands.”

Increasing capacity in 2025

The twin island nation is gearing up for another strong year. Antigua will host the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association’s Caribbean Travel Marketplace from May 18-22.

Other special events in 2025 include Trail & Swim Fest (April 19-20), Restaurant Week (May 4-18), Antigua Carnival (July 25-August 5), World Wellness Weekend (September 19-21) and Art Week (November 26-December 2).

Next year will also see increased airlift from Toronto. Air Canada will introduce a fourth weekly flight in the second week of January, adding Sundays to its current service on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. And in a first this year, WestJet maintained twice weekly flights throughout the summer. Due to the route’s success, WestJet will reintroduce a midweek flight from June through August 2025 in addition to weekly Sunday service.

As for next year’s Black Pineapple Awards, Shamoi Richards, ABTA Canada Business Development Manager, says, “we encourage our travel agents to capitalize on the opportunity to become certified Antiguan specialists.” Specialists will be eligible to log their bookings and have a chance to be recognized in the winner’s circle, as well as being eligible to participate in FAM trips and other incentives.

To become a certified specialist, visit www.antiguabarbudatravelagents.com.