The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA) has established a new Canadian Travel Agent Advisory Committee, signalling a deliberate push to deepen its relationship with the Canadian travel trade and expand the destination's market presence. According to Antigua News Room, the announcement was made on May 6, coinciding with Travel Agent Day.
The timing was deliberate. By launching the committee on Travel Agent Day, ABTA underscored the significant role travel advisors play in shaping traveller decisions, generating demand and driving destination growth.
Following a call for applications earlier this year, the committee has already held its inaugural meeting. It brings together experienced advisors from across Canada, representing key travel segments including luxury, MICE, leisure and multi-generational travel.
"The energy, insight, and enthusiasm this group has already brought to the table has been incredibly encouraging," said Tameka Wharton, ABTA's Director of Tourism for Canada. "Travel advisors play a critical role in how Canadians discover and experience destinations, and bringing this group together allows us to stay closely aligned with the market as it evolves. Their perspective will help shape how we grow the destination in a way that is both strategic and responsive as the global travel landscape continues to shift."
The committee is expected to play a central role in identifying emerging opportunities and expanding Antigua and Barbuda's market share in Canada through 2026 and beyond. Its formation is part of a broader coordinated strategy that also includes the recent appointment of Quebec-based trade representation and expanded public relations initiatives.
The group will be co-chaired by Laura Price of Blowes & Stewart Travel Group — recognised as Antigua and Barbuda's 2025 top seller — and Olimpia Govorusa of Travel Our World, Envoyage, a two-time top agent in both 2024 and 2025. Both hold Antigua and Barbuda Certified Travel Expert designation and are described as seasoned sales professionals.
Additional committee members include Yvonne Campbell of Yvonne's Travel and Tours (Nexion Canada), Jennifer Meyer of Creative Group, Anita Paton of The Travel Agent Next Door, Michelle Zimmer of Travelweek, and Jakki Prince of Prince Adventures (Trevello).
