Travel demand for Antigua and Barbuda is increasing as the destination approaches its annual Carnival celebration. The 2025 event, themed “Itz A Vibe,” runs from July 25 to Aug. 5 and features twelve days of cultural activities centered around traditional mas, music and island heritage.
“There was a real buzz in Trinidad. Antigua and Barbuda is a top Caribbean destination for the Trinidad traveler and mall-goers had numerous inquiries for the team. We saw a strong interest in Antigua Carnival, and the destination overall, with persons asking about places to stay, and special offers,” said Blackman. “The campaign with LIAT 20 is providing our Caribbean family and friends even more of an incentive for them to travel for Antigua, be immersed in Antigua Carnival and then spend some time after relaxing on any one of our 365 beaches, for their summer vacation.”
Fine Festivities in Antigua and Barbuda
This year’s festivities include significant musical anniversaries: Hell’s Gate Steel Orchestra celebrates 80 years, Burning Flames marks 40 years of performance and popular artist Claudette “CP” Peters commemorates 25 years in music. These milestones add cultural significance to an already popular summer travel period.
The Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission has released a full schedule beginning with T-Shirt Mas on July 26. Key events include Burning Flames’ anniversary concert on July 30, the Annual Watchnight Gathering and Caribbean Melting Pot on July 31, Panorama Steelband competition on Aug. 2 and Party Monarch on Aug. 3. Traditional J’ouvert morning celebrations and mas parades follow on Aug. 4 and 5, with Last Lap concluding the festival as revelers make a final procession through St. John’s on the evening of Aug. 5.
Flight Growth
Airlines have responded to increased demand with additional service options. American Airlines has added extra flights from Miami during the period of July 25-28, while Caribbean Airlines will operate a special Toronto-Antigua service on July 31. Regional carrier LIAT 20 offers 25 percent off airfares to Antigua for travel between July 13 and Aug. 12 when booked by Aug. 4 using code VIBE25. This promotion applies to all LIAT 20 routes, including those to Trinidad, St. Kitts, Dominica, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent.
Antigua and Barbuda Roadshow
The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority recently conducted a 5-day promotional roadshow in Trinidad and Tobago, the destination’s largest Caribbean source market. The initiative included media appearances on major television and radio stations, meetings with travel advisors at the Hyatt Regency and a consumer event at East Gates Mall. Marketing representatives Maria Blackman and Alfonsina Olmos partnered with LIAT 20 Marketing Supervisor Tito Thomas for these promotional activities.
For more information, visit visitantiguabarbuda.com.
