London, UK (04 Feb 2026) – The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA) attended the Destinations: Holiday and Travel Show last week, engaging with UK travellers and industry professionals to promote the twin-island nation as a leading Caribbean destination. The team shared insights on the upcoming 2026 on-island calendar, from Carnival to Art Week, and elevated the culinary experiences available to prospective visitors.
Held at Olympia London, the show is one of the largest and most popular consumer travel exhibitions, bringing in around 50,000 attendees from international markets across a four-day period, all of whom were seeking inspiration and expert advice for future holidays. ABTA was joined on stand by hotel partners Elite Island Resorts and Azingo Hospitality, highlighting the islands’ wide range of boutique and larger-scale accommodation options.
Antiguan heritage chef Kareem Roberts represented Antigua and Barbuda on the Taste The World stage, where he promoted the destination’s upcoming Culinary Month and championed the flavours, ingredients and traditions that define Antiguan cuisine. Kareem conducted a live demonstration of tamarind balls where he was joined by British presenter and chef, Andrew Dickens who delved further into the cultural significance behind the iconic treat. Audience members gathered for the interactive session and followed up with a delectable on-stand tasting of the sweet and sour snack themselves. As well as promotion of the destination, Kareem had the opportunity to display his recently released cookbook Cassava and Cardamom at the show.
Kareem Roberts said “It is an incredible opportunity to share what Antigua and Barbuda has to offer through food. From our landscapes to our people, there is so much untapped potential, and we have only just begun to showcase the creativity, flavours, and experiences that make our islands truly unique.”
Cherrie Osborne, Director of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority UK & Europe, added: “Our presence at leading consumer events is essential for showcasing Antigua and Barbuda’s culture and heritage. By highlighting signature offerings and key events like Culinary Month 2026, we can show what sets our twin islands apart for travellers. Talented ambassadors like Kareem Roberts engage audiences and bring our heritage and stories to life.”
The Times Destinations Travel Show left visitors inspired by the flavours, traditions, and experiences of Antigua and Barbuda, ensuring the islands remain top of mind for UK travellers planning their 2026 holidays and beyond.
###
ABOUT ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA
Antigua (pronounced An-tee’ga) and Barbuda (Bar-byew’da) is located in the heart of the Caribbean Sea. The twin-island paradise offers visitors two uniquely distinct experiences, ideal temperatures year-round, a rich history, vibrant culture, exhilarating excursions, award-winning resorts, mouth-watering cuisine and 365 stunning pink and white-sand beaches – one for every day of the year. The largest of the English-speaking Leeward Islands, Antigua comprises 108-square miles with rich history and spectacular topography that provides a variety of popular sightseeing opportunities. Nelson’s Dockyard, the only remaining example of a Georgian fort a listed UNESCO World Heritage site, is perhaps the most renowned landmark. Antigua’s tourism events calendar includes the Antigua and Barbuda Wellness Month, Run in Paradise, prestigious Antigua Sailing Week, Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta, Antigua and Barbuda Restaurant Week, Antigua and Barbuda Art Week and the annual Antigua Carnival; known as the Caribbean’s Greatest Summer Festival. Barbuda, Antigua’s smaller sister island, is the ultimate celebrity hideaway. The island lies 27 miles north-east of Antigua and is just a 15-minute plane ride away. Barbuda is known for its untouched 11-mile stretch of pink sand beach and as the home of the largest Frigate Bird Sanctuary in the Western Hemisphere.
Find more information on Antigua & Barbuda at: www.visitantiguabarbuda.com or follow us on:
Twitter: http://twitter.com/antiguabarbuda
Facebook: www.facebook.com/antiguabarbuda
Instagram: www.instagram.com/AntiguaandBarbuda
For Antigua and Barbuda media enquiries, please contact:
Maria Blackman
Marketing Communications Manager
Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority
T: 1 (268) 562 7600/464-7601
E: maria.blackman@visitaandb.com
Kayla Christian
Marketing Communications Officer
Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority
T:1(268) 562 7600 / 464-7665
E: kayla.christian@visitaandb.com
Antigua and Barbuda Images: aandbtourism.fotoseeker.com
