Antigua and Barbuda Tourism is bringing its major summer festivals directly to local audiences.
Authorities, in collaboration with the Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission, have launched a Caribbean roadshow to promote the event. Antigua Carnival 2026It will be held from July 25th to August 4th under the theme ‘Feel the Rhythm’.
The plan is designed to raise local awareness and secure early bookings for the summer season, officials said.
“The Antigua Carnival is more than a celebration, it is a major economic driver of the tourism industry,” he said. Charmaine SpencerDirector of Tourism for the Caribbean and Latin America, Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Board. “Through engaging local audiences, we are generating strong demand, securing early bookings from airline and hotel partners, mask manufacturers and event producers, and solidifying Antigua’s position as the Caribbean’s premier summer festival destination.”
Roadshow begins in Trinidad and Dominica
The local campaign began with activation during Carnival celebrations. trinidad and tobago and dominicaIncrease Antigua and Barbuda’s visibility and make Antigua Carnival 2026 a key date on the regional Carnival calendar.
Trinidad’s Antigua and Barbuda team — incl. Cleo Foster HarrisDeputy Director, Antigua and Barbuda Festival Committee; Maria BlackmanMarketing Communications Manager, Tourism Board; and Alfonsina OlmosTourism Marketers — Connect with Carnival travelers at key events, including: Hyatt Lime and Caesar’s Army – AM Beach.
The team engaged thousands of participants through brand activations and the “Win a Trip to Antigua” promotion. Media appearances through television and radio further expanded the festival’s influence in the market.
Promotions took the lead in Dominica. Sharifa GeorgeDigital Media Manager and Kayla ChristianDirector of Marketing Communications. Activities included on-site activation through media engagement, live broadcasts and partnerships. KFC Dominica and airline partners sunrise airlineswith promotional activities Bayfront Artisan Market.
Branded giveaways and cultural showcases highlighted the Antigua Carnival, the destination’s extensive summer offerings and the ongoing “Win Antigua Travel” promotion.
Establishing Carnival as a must-experience event in the region
line Elizabeth MacollThe Antigua and Barbuda Festival Committee Chairman said the strategy was focused on direct engagement with local travellers.
“Through meaningful on-site engagement, curated promotional packages and dynamic brand interactions, we did more than promote the festival – we delivered a true preview of the Antigua Carnival product experience,” said Makhoul.
“This participation will ensure that Antigua Carnival 2026, with its theme ‘Feel the Rhythm’, maintains a highly visible and competitive position within the local carnival landscape.”
Officials also emphasized seamless access for Carnival travelers and highlighted airlift options, including: look at the water and sunrise airlines.
Summer Support Campaign Proposal
The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Board and Festival Committee plan to continue the regional roadshow with additional stops across the Caribbean ahead of Carnival 2026.
The wider summer campaign will be supported by a series of promotional offers across participating hotels, tours and experiences. According to authorities, travelers can expect special summer rates, value-added packages and early booking incentives designed to encourage advance bookings during the July and August festival period.
Antigua Carnival remains one of the Caribbean’s major summer events, attracting local and international visitors through its 10 days of mas, music and cultural programming. With the roadshow now underway, tourism officials are aiming to convert the initial local momentum into bookings well ahead of the 2026 celebrations.
