Travel demand for Antigua and Barbuda is increasing with two weeks remaining before Antigua Carnival 2025 begins July 25.
The 12-day festival, running through Aug. 5 under the theme "Itz A Vibe," will deliver non-stop experiences filled with mas, music and culture. This year marks the 80th anniversary of Hell's Gate Steel Orchestra, 40 years of Burning Flames, and 25 years of Claudette "CP" Peters.
The Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission released a schedule including T-Shirt Mas on July 26, Burning Flames' 40th anniversary concert on July 30, and the Caribbean Melting Pot on July 31. The Panorama Steelband competition is set for Aug. 2, followed by Party Monarch on Aug. 3. Traditional J'ouvert morning, Carnival Monday and Carnival Tuesday mas will take place Aug. 4-5, with Last Lap closing the festivities Aug. 5.
Airlines are responding to increased demand from visitors and diaspora travelers hoping to enjoy the festivities. American Airlines has added an extra flight from Miami for July 25-28, while Caribbean Airlines is operating a special flight from Toronto to Antigua on July 31 to facilitate carnival travel.
Regional carrier LIAT 20 is offering 25% off airfare for travel between July 13 and Aug. 12. The promotion, available when booked by Aug. 4 with code VIBE25, applies to all LIAT 20 routes including Trinidad, St. Kitts, Dominica, St. Lucia and St. Vincent.
In early July, the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority and LIAT 20 conducted a five-day promotional roadshow in Trinidad and Tobago, the destination's largest Caribbean source market. The team included Tourism Authority Marketing Communications Manager Maria Blackman and Marketing Officer Alfonsina Olmos, along with LIAT 20 Marketing Supervisor Tito Thomas.
"There was a real buzz in Trinidad," Blackman said. "Antigua and Barbuda is a top Caribbean destination for the Trinidad traveler and mall-goers had numerous inquiries for the team."
The Tourism Authority, Festivals Commission and Airport Authority are preparing for increased arrivals and arranging festive welcomes for visitors.
Editor's Note: This article was generated by AI, based on a press release distributed by Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority. It was fact-checked and reviewed by a TravelAge West editor.
