The Antigua & Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association (ABHTA) is proud to announce the reappointment of Craig Marshall as Chairman for the 2025–2027 term. Marshall, Regional Commercial Director – West Indies at Blue Diamond Resorts, returns to lead the organization for another term, taking the helm at a crucial time for the tourism sector in Antigua and Barbuda.

Marshall will guide a newly appointed and dynamic Board of Directors, bringing together experienced professionals from across the hospitality, tourism, and private sector industries. This fresh leadership team is committed to advancing the ABHTA’s mission of enhancing tourism development, supporting local businesses, and preparing the workforce for the future of tourism.

A New Era for ABHTA: Leadership and Vision

The ABHTA’s new Board of Directors for the 2025–2027 term includes a diverse group of experts from across the tourism sector, each committed to advancing the Association’s strategic goals. The Board is as follows:

• Brian Murphy – 1st Vice Chairman, Carlisle Bay Antigua
• Norma Holder – 2nd Vice Chair, Curtain Bluff Resort
• Korey Boyce – Associate Executive, St. James Travel and Tours
• Patrick Ryan – Destination Antigua Ltd
• Patrice Skerritt – British Airways (Airline Association Appointee)
• David Latchimy – Sandals Grande Antigua
• Mario Colindres – Goddard Catering Group (Antigua) Ltd
• Erica Michelin – Cocos Hotel Antigua
• Antoine Brown – Galley Bay Resort & Spa
• Rachel Browne – Hermitage Bay
• S Roy C Bento – Siboney Beach Club
• Julia Harripaul – Blue Waters Resort & Spa

This Board is a carefully selected team that reflects the depth of talent and expertise within Antigua and Barbuda’s hospitality and tourism sector. Each director brings a wealth of experience from their respective fields, including hotel management, travel and tours, and food services, to ensure the ABHTA’s long-term success and vision for growth.

Embracing a Forward-Looking Theme: “Investing in People, Powering the Future”

Under Craig Marshall’s leadership, the ABHTA has unveiled its guiding theme for the upcoming term: “Investing in People, Powering the Future.” This strategic direction is a direct response to the evolving demands of the tourism industry and signals the Association’s commitment to empowering the local workforce, focusing on education, training, and the development of essential skills.

“We are at a pivotal moment in the tourism sector,” said Marshall, “and as we look to the future, we are committed to focusing on workforce development. Our theme underscores the importance of investing in our people, from front-line employees to managerial staff, and ensuring that they have the tools, training, and leadership opportunities to thrive in a competitive global marketplace.”

The emphasis on investing in human capital is not just about improving skills; it is about equipping the local workforce with the resources needed to excel in an increasingly complex and digital world. This includes addressing critical issues such as employee absenteeism, mental health, and wellness in the workplace. Marshall highlighted that one of the key priorities for the Association is to create a sustainable workforce capable of driving Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism sector forward.

“We’re also addressing long-standing challenges like absenteeism,” said Marshall. “We want to ensure that our employees have meaningful opportunities for career advancement while also prioritizing their mental health and well-being. The health of the workforce is directly linked to the success of the tourism industry.”

Support for Minister Fernandez’s Call to Prepare for the AI Age

In addition to the focus on workforce development, the ABHTA has expressed strong support for Honourable Charles ‘Max’ Fernandez, Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation and Investment, and his call to action regarding the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the tourism industry. Minister Fernandez emphasized the need to prepare the tourism workforce for the digital age, where AI and automation are becoming integral components of daily operations.

“We fully support the Minister’s call to ensure that our employees are retooled to thrive in this evolving digital age,” Marshall said. “As AI and automation become more ingrained in tourism, our people must have the right digital skills to harness these technologies effectively. This will allow us to stay competitive, improve service delivery, and provide more personalized experiences for our visitors.”

To address this need, the ABHTA plans to partner with various training institutions and technology providers to offer courses that will help workers in the tourism sector acquire digital literacy and technological expertise. These efforts will help workers stay ahead of the curve, ensuring that Antigua and Barbuda continues to provide top-tier service to global tourists in an era where technology plays an increasingly significant role.

Fostering Collaboration and Expanding Opportunities

As the ABHTA begins its new term, the leadership is keen on fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors. The Association aims to work closely with the Government of Antigua and Barbuda, local tourism stakeholders, and international partners to ensure the continued growth and success of the nation’s tourism industry.

One of the ABHTA’s goals is to create more opportunities for local businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), to engage with international markets. This will involve improving access to marketing platforms, digital tools, and training to help these businesses compete on a global scale.

The Association’s commitment to collaboration extends to other industry bodies as well, including airlines, travel agencies, and hospitality associations, all of which play a crucial role in shaping the tourism experience. With a unified approach, the ABHTA aims to enhance Antigua and Barbuda’s standing as a premier tourist destination in the Caribbean and beyond.

A Strong Future for Antigua and Barbuda’s Tourism Industry

As the ABHTA moves forward under the leadership of Craig Marshall, its focus on workforce development, digital transformation, and collaboration will ensure that Antigua and Barbuda remains a top destination in the Caribbean. With a robust and well-trained workforce, a commitment to innovation, and an emphasis on well-being, the tourism sector is poised for long-term success.

The ABHTA’s leadership continues to build on the foundation of excellence established over the years, and with a clear and focused vision, Antigua and Barbuda will undoubtedly continue to lead the Caribbean in tourism excellence.alues and governance.

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