Antigua and Barbuda releases 2026 Destination update with New Visitor Experiences and Tourism Enhancements

The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA) has unveiled a series of new visitor experiences and tourism upgrades for 2026. These developments invite travellers to begin their journey on the destination’s stunning beaches before exploring the culture, cuisine, yachting and adventure experiences.CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, Colin C. James said, “Antigua and Barbuda is fully open and welcoming, and for 2026, we are proud to highlight developments and experiences that will deliver more authentic experiences to our visitors, alongside tourism investments that will enhance the quality of our product offerings.” 

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA IN 2026:Feel the Wind in your sails at the Antigua Racing Cup in April

Building on those proud nautical traditions, Antigua and Barbuda with its turquoise bays and strong trade winds continues to set the pace as the home of Caribbean yacht racing. The destination hosts some of the world’s most renowned regattas, including Antigua Sailing Week and the RORC Caribbean 600, and we’re thrilled to announce the newest addition to our calendar: the Antigua Racing Cup.The Antigua Racing Cup, a bold new addition to Antigua’s yachting calendar will take place from April 9 -12, 2026 kicking off a month of exciting sailing events. www.antiguaracingcup.com

AUA Rohrman Trail & Swim Fest 2026 edition from April 11–12, 2026

This two-day event will feature 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. The Rohrman trail races offer participants a scenic and challenging adventure, navigating through some of Antigua and Barbuda’s most beautiful landscapes. These races are designed for both seasoned runners and those looking to push their limits. The open water swim events showcase Antigua’s pristine beaches, 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 in a supportive environment. 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.

Antigua and Barbuda Culinary Month Returns in May 2026

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 programme features immersive ‘Eat Like A Local’ culinary discovery experiences and a two-week Restaurant Week from May 3-17 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. These include Cambridge-based Antiguan Chef Kareem Roberts; British chef and television personality of Antiguan heritage, Andi Oliver; first-generation Antiguan and Barbudan chef and Chopped Champion Claude Lewis; and 2018 James Beard Best Chef: South, Nina Compton of Compère Lapin. Their participation further strengthens Antigua and Barbuda’s position as an award-winning Caribbean culinary destination. www.antiguabarbudaculinarymonth.com

Run in Paradise Marks 10th Anniversary in May 2026

In May 2026, Antigua and Barbuda will celebrate the 10th anniversary of Run in Paradise, one of the Caribbean’s most scenic running events. The running event, which has Half Marathon, 10K and 5K categories, takes competitive and non-competitive participants along Antigua’s picturesque coastline and through colourful neighbourhoods before concluding at the historic Fort James Beach. Each participant receives a stunning souvenir styled medal after the event. www.runinparadise.com

Get ready for Antigua Carnival from July 25 - August 4, 2026

Antigua and Barbuda’s Carnival, held every July and early August, is far more than a festival, it’s a living expression of the islands’ history, identity, and unbreakable spirit. For nearly two weeks, the islands erupt with colour and movement: steel pan performances, the distinct sound of the iron band, calypso and soca competitions, high-energy fetes, and the spectacular Parade of the Bands. Masqueraders in dazzling costumes move through the streets to rhythms that have shaped generations, while communities come together to celebrate resilience, freedom, and joy.

Antigua and Barbuda Art Week brings ‘Culture in Colour’ in November 2026

Held every November, Antigua and Barbuda Art Week transforms the twin islands into a vibrant, 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 colour, culture, and community that radiates across Antigua and Barbuda.View the Antigua and Barbuda 2026 Events Video

Hotel Openings and Resort Enhancements

Moon Gate, scheduled to open in 2026, will introduce a contemporary boutique luxury property offering a collection of standard, premium, and penthouse suites designed to deliver a stylish and intimate hospitality experience.Hermitage Bay has completed a comprehensive refurbishment programme that includes the remodelling of 30 villa suites, enhancements to the Hillside Pool Villa Suites, and upgrades to the Garden Pool Villa Suites, which 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. Forty-two junior suites have been remodelled, and 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

Visitors can continue to immerse themselves in Antigua and Barbuda’s rich maritime history and culture through signature experiences, such as the Seafood Fridays at the Copper and Lumber Store Hotel in Nelson’s Dockyard.The popular ‘Rum in the Ruins’ programme, 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. New this season, the event extends the lookout’s party atmosphere into Friday, offering the same 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.

New Culinary Experiences

Antigua’s award-winning Rocks Group has expanded its portfolio with 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 favourites and live sports, 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. www.faturchin.com

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 allows guests to explore the coastline aboard a transparent boat while enjoying guided sightseeing and a relaxing beach stop as part of a three-hour experience. 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. www.rockadventuresantigua.com

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, elevating the overall cruise guest experience.For more information on Antigua and Barbuda go to: www.visitantiguabarbuda.com

About Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua (pronounced An-tee'ga) and Barbuda (Bar-byew’da) is located in the heart of the Caribbean Sea. The twin-island paradise offers visitors two uniquely distinct experiences, ideal temperatures year-round, a rich history, vibrant culture, exhilarating excursions, award-winning resorts, mouth-watering cuisine and 365 stunning pink and white-sand beaches - one for every day of the year. The largest of the English-speaking Leeward Islands, Antigua comprises 108-square miles with rich history and spectacular topography that provides a variety of popular sightseeing opportunities. Nelson’s Dockyard, the only continuously working Georgian era dockyard in the world, and a listed UNESCO World Heritage site, is perhaps the most renowned landmark. Antigua’s tourism events calendar includes the Antigua Racing Cup, Antigua Sailing Week, Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta, Antigua and Barbuda Culinary Month, the annual Antigua Carnival; known as the Caribbean’s Greatest Summer Festival and Antigua and Barbuda Art Week. Barbuda, Antigua’s smaller sister island, is the ultimate celebrity hideaway. The island lies 27 miles north-east of Antigua and is just a 15-minute plane ride away. Barbuda is known for its untouched 11-mile stretch of pink sand beach and as the home of the largest Frigate Bird Sanctuary in the Western Hemisphere.

Find information on Antigua and Barbuda at: www.visitantiguabarbuda.com or follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/antiguabarbuda  Facebook: www.facebook.com/antiguabarbuda; Instagram: www.instagram.com/AntiguaandBarbuda  

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