Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1542608
B M & T ••• January/February 2026 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 43 CARIBBEAN CORNER tural landscape. Throughout the summit, Robins and Liverpool-Charles engaged in high-level discussions and networking sessions with U.S. and international tourism leaders. These conversa- tions centered on heritage tourism, cultural diplomacy, and sustainability, underscoring Antigua and Barbuda's commit- ment to ensuring that travel to the islands benefits local com- munities as much as it inspires visitors. Contributing to the Global Conversation During the festival, Arah Robins was a featured panelist in Tourism and Cultural Economies — How to Make Them More Inclusive and Beneficial to the Communities Which Produce the Cultural Experiences, held at New Orleans' Gallier Hall. She joined panelists including Christian Houetchenou, Mayor of Ouidah, Benin; Andrew Swaby, Mayor of Kingston and Saint Andrews, Jamaica; Dr. Richmond Yeboah of the Technical University of Cape Coast; and municipal advisor Eugène-Mathieu Digba-Katchia. Together, they explored how tourism can celebrate cultural traditions while ensuring that the communities that sustain them share in the benefits. Robins spotlighted Antigua and Barbuda's approach, not- ing that signature events such as Culinary Month, Carnival, and Art Week attract visitors, as well as create income for local artisans, musicians, and entrepreneurs. Her remarks positioned Antigua and Barbuda as a model for inclusive ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA TOURISM AUTHORITY SHOWCASES CULTURAL STRENGTH AT THE INTERNATIONAL ARTS FESTIVAL IN NEW ORLEANS Panelists at the Sister Cities Summit engage in a dynamic discussion on cultural exchange, tourism, and sustainable development. The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA) proudly represented the twin-island nation at the International Arts Festival in New Orleans, showcasing the destination as both a premier Caribbean getaway and a cultural hub with global reach. ABTA was represented by Arah Robins, Marketing and Public Relations Executive, and Annie Liverpool-Charles, Sales and Marketing Officer. Their mission was to highlight Antigua and Barbuda's cultural identity, strengthen interna- tional partnerships, and position the islands as a leader in inclu- sive and sustainable tourism. Antigua and Barbuda's Role at the Summit The Sister City Summit brought together cultural leaders, government officials, and tourism professionals from across the globe. For Antigua and Barbuda, it was an opportunity to emphasize that the nation is more than a place with fabulous beaches. The nation is also defined by Carnival, Culinary Month, Art Week, and the many traditions that shape its cul-