The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA) proudly represented the twin-island nation at the International Arts Festival in New Orleans, showcasing the destination as both a premier Caribbean getaway and a cultural hub with global reach.
ABTA was represented by Arah Robins, Marketing and Public Relations Executive, and Annie Liverpool-Charles, Sales and Marketing Officer. Their mission was to highlight Antigua and Barbuda’s cultural identity, strengthen international partnerships, and position the islands as a leader in inclusive and sustainable tourism.
Antigua and Barbuda’s Role at the Summit
The Sister City Summit brought together cultural leaders, government officials, and tourism professionals from across the globe. For Antigua and Barbuda, it was an opportunity to emphasize that the nation is more than a place with fabulous beaches. The nation is also defined by Carnival, Culinary Month, Art Week, and the many traditions that shape its cultural landscape.
Throughout the summit, Robins and Liverpool-Charles engaged in high-level discussions and networking sessions with U.S. and international tourism leaders. These conversations centered on heritage tourism, cultural diplomacy, and sustainability, underscoring Antigua and Barbuda’s commitment to ensuring that travel to the islands benefits local communities as much as it inspires visitors.
Contributing to the Global Conversation
During the festival, Arah Robins was a featured panelist in Tourism and Cultural Economies — How to Make Them More Inclusive and Beneficial to the Communities Which Produce the Cultural Experiences, held at New Orleans’ Gallier Hall.
She joined panelists including Christian Houetchenou, Mayor of Ouidah, Benin; Andrew Swaby, Mayor of Kingston and Saint Andrews, Jamaica; Dr. Richmond Yeboah of the Technical University of Cape Coast; and municipal advisor Eugène-Mathieu Digba-Katchia. Together, they explored how tourism can celebrate cultural traditions while ensuring that the communities that sustain them share in the benefits.
Robins spotlighted Antigua and Barbuda’s approach, noting that signature events such as Culinary Month, Carnival, and Art Week attract visitors, as well as create income for local artisans, musicians, and entrepreneurs. Her remarks positioned Antigua and Barbuda as a model for inclusive tourism rooted in cultural preservation.
Connecting with U.S. Audiences
Beyond policy discussions, ABTA took every opportunity to connect directly with audiences. Robins appeared on KZEM 102.9 FM with host Jerold Jackson, where she introduced listeners to the islands’ diverse tourism offerings and emphasized the importance of Antigua and Barbuda’s presence at the festival. She also joined LaTangela Sherman, on-air personality and production director with the Cumulus Radio Station Group, for an interview that broadened the destination’s reach and reinforced its cultural and tourism message.
At the Congo Square concert on September 28, the delegation brought a lively Caribbean touch to the celebrations. ABTA hosted a raffle for two round-trip tickets to Antigua and Barbuda, sparking excitement among attendees, and offered samples of local rum punch prepared by mixologist Toray Manwarren with English Harbour Rum.
The delegation also met New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell and collaborated with Rosine Pema Sanga, Director of International Relations, who hosted many of the summit’s events. These engagements strengthened ties with city leadership and opened the door for future cultural collaborations.
Why This Matters
The Sister City Summit reflects the growing importance of cultural diplomacy in international tourism. For Antigua and Barbuda, it offered a platform to share cultural heritage with new audiences, deepen diaspora connections, and align tourism promotion with sustainability goals.
In an increasingly competitive global travel market, participation in events that unite African, Caribbean, and U.S. communities provides Antigua and Barbuda with a distinctive advantage. For travelers, it reinforces the message that the islands are a destination where local connection and tradition are central to the visitor experience. For local communities, it ensures that tourism continues to deliver tangible benefits.
Festival Highlights
The International Arts Festival unfolded across three days, filling New Orleans with global sounds and celebrations. On September 26, the Fillmore Theater hosted jazz and soul greats Gerald Albright and Big Chief Donald Harrison Jr. The following evening, the Orpheum Theater welcomed international stars Estelle, Kye De Vere, Kenya Vaun, Irvin Mayfield, and Hibriduz.
The festival closed on September 28 at historic Congo Square, where more than 5,000 attendees gathered for an outdoor concert featuring Steel Pulse, Pieces of a Dream, Luciano, Alexey Marti, and Corey Henry and the Treme Funktet. With food vendors and craft displays alongside the performances, the day was a celebration of music, culture, and community.
