Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism sector celebrated its top performers on Saturday as industry leaders, frontline workers and rising talents were recognised at the 2025 Tourism Awards Gala.
Held on 29 November under the theme “Mirror Ball Gala: A Time to Reflect and Shine,” the event brought together stakeholders from across the industry. The gala was hosted by the Antigua and Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association (ABHTA) in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism and the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA).
Industry leaders recognised
Blue Waters Resort & Spa’s Albev Wade was named Employee of the Year , while Supervisor of the Year went to Mill Reef Club’s Sophia Welch.
Royalton Antigua’s Shemaiah Gordon earned the Rising Star of the Year title, and Sandals Grande Antigua’s Leon Norville was awarded Young Hotelier of the Year.
Hermitage Bay’s Kahendi Jackson was named Young Chef of the Year , with Chef of the Year awarded to Jumby Bay Island’s Jean-Pierre Tuitt.
ABTA presented its Social Media Excellence Award to Antigua Inside Out , represented by digital creator Qasim Henry.
Ministry of Tourism Awards
The Ministry of Tourism recognised excellence across customer service and frontline roles.
Sandals Grande Antigua’s Sandy Ramsaran received the Customer Service Excellence Award , while Port Frontline Employee of the Year went to Jahlyn Turner of the Department of Immigration.
South Coast Horizons’ Philbert John Baptiste was honoured as Tour Guide of the Year , and Ian Richards of the United Taxi Company Antigua Ltd was named Transportation Service Provider of the Year.
Special honours for women in tourism
Two industry veterans were presented with Women in Tourism Awards :
- Annette Michael , for 33 years of service and leadership, and
- Cleo Henry, EMBA, CHE, CGSP , for her contributions to workforce development, training, and tourism leadership.
A posthumous Lifetime Achievement Award honoured the legacy of Alexandre de Brito e Cunha , recognised as a visionary figure and long-standing contributor to the ABHTA.
Support from across the sector
Tourism partners and sponsors from hotels, resorts and industry organisations were acknowledged for their support in staging the gala, which organisers described as a night of national pride, celebration and reflection.
The event closed with a renewed call to continue strengthening Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism product as the country prepares for the year ahead.