The Ministry of Tourism and Investment will host its National Tourism Symposium on Monday, November 23, 2026, bringing together tourism stakeholders and industry professionals to explore the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in shaping the future of the tourism industry.
The symposium, which forms part of the Ministry’s Tourism Week 2026 celebrations, will be held at the Sir John E. St. Luce Finance and Conference Centre on Factory Road, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Under the theme, “Empowering Our People for the Future: Embracing AI, Building Skills and Securing Careers,” the event will focus on the opportunities presented by emerging technologies and the importance of equipping the tourism workforce with the knowledge and skills needed to remain competitive in an increasingly technology-driven industry.
The programme will feature two distinguished tourism professionals, each bringing a wealth of industry knowledge and experience. Dr. Auliana Poon, an internationally recognised tourism strategist and expert in tourism development, marketing and destination competitiveness, will serve as the featured facilitator. Joining her as guest speaker will be Ms. Dona Regis-Prosper, Secretary-General of the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), whose extensive experience spans tourism management, strategic marketing, cruise tourism, sustainable development and stakeholder engagement.
Dr. Poon, a trained economist with a doctorate in Tourism and Technology, has advised more than 40 destinations worldwide, helping to shape tourism policies, development strategies and approaches to sustainable and competitive tourism. Ms. Regis-Prosper brings extensive regional and international tourism leadership experience, with expertise in strategic management, marketing, cruise-port operations, sustainable development and stakeholder relations.
Designed as an interactive learning experience, the symposium will require participants to use an AI assistant on their personal devices as part of the session. This hands-on approach will allow attendees to engage directly with AI technology while exploring its practical applications and potential benefits within the tourism sector.
As artificial intelligence continues to transform how businesses operate, market their products and engage with customers, the symposium provides an opportunity for tourism professionals to better understand these developments and consider how they can be incorporated into their respective areas of work.
The Ministry recognises that preparing the tourism workforce for the future requires more than adapting to technological change. It also involves investing in people, strengthening professional capabilities and ensuring that Antiguans and Barbudans are positioned to benefit from the evolving opportunities within the industry.
Registration is required, and interested participants are encouraged to secure their places by scanning the QR code on the official symposium flyer or using the registration link https://docs.google.com/forms/d/14_eyN1Q09y8QrxprkJZkDdvysJgQF_hpRzA6TYQ85gY/edit by Friday, November 20, 2026.
For further information, persons may contact Ms. Shanaka Savory at the Ministry of Tourism and Investment at 468-4083 or via email at Shanaka.savory@ab.gov.ag.
Source: Antigua News Room Tourism Week 2026 to Feature National Symposium on AI and Workforce Development.