The Antigua and
Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA) introduced a series of new visitor experiences
and tourism upgrades for 2026. The experiences run the gamut from festivals to
sporting events to new tourism infrastructure.
Antigua is adding the Antigua Racing Cup to its yachting
calendar. The new event will take place from April 9 – 12, 2026, kicking off a
month of exciting sailing events. The destination hosts some of the
world’s most renowned regattas, including Antigua Sailing Week and the RORC
Caribbean 600.
The 2026 edition of the AUA Rohrman Trail & Swim Fest
takes place April 11 to12 and features trail races, open water swims, and kids’
triathlons, bringing together athletes from across the globe to compete in
Antigua and Barbuda’s premier sporting festival. Trail races traverse some of
Antigua and Barbuda’s most beautiful landscapes. The races are designed for
both seasoned runners and those looking to test their limits. Antigua’s
pristine beaches host the open water swim events, allowing swimmers to compete
in crystal-clear waters.
These races cater to all levels, from elite swimmers to
beginners, offering both short and long-distance challenges.
Rohrman also focuses on inspiring the next generation of
athletes through its series of kids’ triathlons. Kids of various age groups
participate in shorter, accessible triathlon formats, including swimming,
cycling, and running.
Returning in May 2026, Antigua and Barbuda Culinary Month
will once again celebrate the destination’s chefs, culinary traditions, and
locally sourced ingredients. The month-long program features immersive ‘Eat
Like A Local’ culinary discovery experiences and a two-week Restaurant Week
from May 3 to 17, offering prix-fixe menus at restaurants across the islands.
The signature FAB – Food, Art & Beverage Fest will return on May 23 as a
highlight event. Special guest chefs of Caribbean heritage from the United
States, United Kingdom and Canada will participate in select culinary
activations throughout the month.
Also in May 2026,
Antigua and Barbuda celebrates the 10th anniversary of Run in Paradise, which
takes competitive and non-competitive participants along Antigua’s picturesque
coastline and through colorful neighborhoods before concluding at the
historic Fort James Beach. The event has half marathon, 10K and 5K categories.
Antigua and Barbuda’s Carnival, held every July 25 through
August 4, is a vibrant expression of the islands’ history, identity, and
unbreakable spirit. For nearly two weeks, the islands erupt in color and
movement with steel pan performances, distinct iron band sounds, calypso and
soca competitions, high-energy fetes, and the spectacular Parade of the Bands.
Masqueraders in dazzling costumes parade through the streets to rhythms that
have shaped generations, while communities come together to celebrate
resilience, freedom, and joy.
Antigua and Barbuda Art Week, held annually in November, transforms
the twin islands into a colorful open-air gallery celebrating the depth and
diversity of local creativity. Across a week of exhibitions, studio tours,
workshops, fashion showcases, live performances, and interactive
“paint-and-play” style events, visitors can immerse themselves in the work of
more than fifty Antiguan and Barbudan artists. The festival not only spotlights
the islands’ artistic heritage but also champions the next generation, bringing
together local talent, returning diaspora artists, and regional creatives for a
week of color, culture and community that radiates across Antigua and Barbuda.
Hotel Openings and Resort Enhancements
The Moon Gate Hotel & Spa, scheduled to open in 2026,
will introduce a boutique luxury property to Antigua guests. The contemporary hotel
will offer a collection of standard, premium, and penthouse suites designed to
deliver a stylish and intimate hospitality experience.
At Hermitage Bay, a
comprehensive refurbishment program that includes the remodeling of 30 villa
suites, has been completed. Enhancements were made to the Hillside Pool Villa
Suites, and Garden Pool Villa Suites, were also upgraded and now feature
private pools. Additional enhancements have also been made to the beachfront
Signature Spa, further elevating the resort’s luxury wellness offering.
Curtain Bluff has undertaken a series of accommodation and
restaurant upgrades for 2026,including the remodeling of 42 junior suites. New
Signature Pool Suites have been added to the accommodation portfolio.
Enhancements to the Seagrape Beach Restaurant include an expanded dining floor
and seating area, upgraded kitchen facilities, new lighting, and the
introduction of a sunken bar, creating an enhanced beachfront dining
experience.
Maritime Heritage and Culture Experiences
Antigua and Barbuda offers signature experiences through
which visitors can immerse themselves in the islands’ rich maritime history and
culture.
The popular ‘Rum in the Ruins’ program, hosted on Friday
evenings at Dow’s Hill, offers sunset views overlooking English Harbour and
engaging historical storytelling within the National Park served up with rum
cocktails.
Visitors seeking Antigua’s most iconic sunset views over
English Harbour can now enjoy a new evening experience at Shirley Heights
Lookout with the launch of the Shirley Heights Friday Night Party. The new event
extends the lookout’s party atmosphere into Friday, offering more of the great
music, tasty cuisine, and amazing vibes that have made Reggae Thursdays and the
popular Sunday Sunset BBQ weekend staples. The Friday Night Party provides a
fresh way to experience one of the island’s most picturesque landmarks.
Highlighting Antigua’s new culinary options is the opening
of Fat Urchin, a lively new public house and coastal kitchen located in Jolly
Harbour Marina. Designed for all-day dining and community-led energy, Fat
Urchin features a relaxed Public House on the lower level serving classic pub favorites,
while the upstairs Coastal Kitchen offers a more elevated, seafood-driven menu
with house-made pastas, oysters and fresh local catch. In addition to great
food without a fuss, expect live music, and lots of late-night energy.
New Adventure Experiences
Rock Adventures has expanded Antigua and Barbuda’s range of
adventure offerings with two unique marine exploration experiences. The
Transparent Boat and Beach Tour takes guests aboard a transparent boat to
explore the coastline while enjoying guided sightseeing and a relaxing beach
stop as part of a three-hour experience.
Meanwhile, the Crystal Kayak and
Snorkel Eco Adventure features fully transparent kayaks designed for calm-bay
exploration and marine observation, providing guests with an opportunity to
experience the underwater environment without entering the water.
Tourism Infrastructure Enhancements
At the V.C. Bird International Airport, a runway
rehabilitation project scheduled for completion in November 2026 will mark a
significant upgrade to Antigua and Barbuda’s primary gateway.
Antigua Cruise Port will unveil its new cruise terminal in
St. John’s Harbour on January 24, marking a significant milestone in the Upland
Development Project. The terminal is designed to support increased homeporting
and growing passenger volumes, with full project completion scheduled for July
2026. Once completed, the facility will feature enhanced guest amenities,
including a leisure-inspired day club with pool and cabanas.
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