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What To Know
- Ambassador Ali described the UAE as a critical partner in Antigua and Barbuda’s strategy to build a tourism economy rooted in sustainability and climate adaptation, priorities reinforced throughout the summit.
- Ambassador Ali also met with tourism and technology stakeholders to discuss digital platforms for reservations and bookings, as well as marketing campaigns aimed at attracting high-value travellers to Antigua and Barbuda.
- Armand Arton, focused on securing financing for renewable energy and sustainable transport connectivity, aligning with the broader objective of positioning the nation as a leading climate-resilient tourism destination.
The World Governments Summit 2026 convened in Dubai from February 3 to 5. The Antigua and Barbuda delegation, led by Prime Minister Gaston Browne and The Honourable Maria Browne, and including H.E. Ambassador Theon Ali, H.E. Ruleta Camacho-Thomas, and H.E. Armand Arton, focused on securing financing for renewable energy and sustainable transport connectivity, aligning with the broader objective of positioning the nation as a leading climate-resilient tourism destination.
Speaking during the Tourism Roundtable on the Future of Tourism, Prime Minister Gaston Browne opened with a call to shift from volume-driven arrivals to premium, sustainability-focused experiences. Ambassador Ali, Deputy Head of Mission to the UAE, carried that mandate into a series of bilateral meetings.
In discussions with the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, Ambassador Ali explored potential support for renewable energy expansion. The goal, according to delegation officials, is to improve energy stability for resorts and heritage sites, reducing outages and service downtime that can undermine the visitor experience.
Ambassador Ali also met with tourism and technology stakeholders to discuss digital platforms for reservations and bookings, as well as marketing campaigns aimed at attracting high-value travellers to Antigua and Barbuda.
The delegation is now coordinating technical consultations on tourism district development and advancing aviation discussions with UAE counterparts. Cultural and tourism authorities on both sides are expected to continue talks in the coming months.
Ambassador Ali described the UAE as a critical partner in Antigua and Barbuda’s strategy to build a tourism economy rooted in sustainability and climate adaptation, priorities reinforced throughout the summit.
