This week: Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Society bestows Black Pineapple awards, Collette is going virtual with travel advisors, and Flight Centre buys in Britain.
Black Pineapple Awards
Canadian travel advisors were among Antigua and Barbuda’s top global producers honoured and celebrated at the 2025 Antigua and Barbuda Black Pineapple Awards. The event, hosted by the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA), recognized travel professionals from Antigua and Barbuda’s main source markets for their exceptional contributions to the destination’s tourism growth over the past year.
Leading travel advisors from Canada, the Caribbean and Latin America, the United States of America, and the United Kingdom and Europe travelled to Antigua for the gala awards ceremony, which was held at Sandals Grande Antigua Resort and Spa on Dec. 5, 2025.
Among those recognized were eight Canadian advisors, who delivered strong performance throughout 2025, showcasing remarkable dedication to promoting Antigua and Barbuda as a preferred destination for Canadian travellers. During the ceremony, special awards were presented to the following advisors:
Colin C. James, CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, remarked, “We have certainly had a great year, with strong sales across our markets supported by our travel agent partners who have developed a deep affinity for Antigua and Barbuda. Our top producers are as invested in the destination as we are. Their passion is reflected in their sales performance, and we are proud to honour their excellence.”
- Sharon Boissoneault – Director’s Award for outstanding achievement in room night sales.
- Olimpia Govorusa – CEO’s Award for exceptional performance in driving bookings.
- Sharon Boissoneault – Minister’s Award celebrating exceptional achievement in revenue generation.
Other Canadian awardees included: Darlene Wipp, Laura Price, Tamara Postma, Adul Nazarali, Kelly Shea, and Victoria Guest.
Tameka Wharton, Director of Tourism, Canada, said, “We were incredibly proud to honour our Canadian advisors, whose meaningful contributions helped drive Antigua and Barbuda’s success this year. Their commitment, creativity, and professionalism ensured that Canadian travellers continue to choose our islands for unforgettable experiences. We look forward to working with even more agent partners in 2026.”
In addition to the awards gala, honourees enjoyed a curated itinerary highlighting some of Antigua and Barbuda’s best experiences, including a welcome reception at Tamarind Hills, land and sea tours on Antigua.
A chartered flight with LiatAir took agents to the new Barbuda International Airport for visits to Barbuda Belle, the Frigate Bird Sanctuary and Nobu Restaurant on Princess Diana Beach in Barbuda, coordinated by the Barbuda Council. The group was welcomed with light bites at the private jet FBO terminal built by PLH group, and also dined at Uncle Roddy’s for lunch.
Collette
Collette will hold a live virtual event for travel advisors on Wednesday (Dec. 17) at 3 p.m. ET. President and CEO, Jaclyn Leibl-Cote, and Executive VP of Global Sales, Christian Leibl-Cote, will share Collette’s focus over the past quarter and what’s ahead for the organization.
Topics will also include Collette specialist pricing program for tours and 2026 new tours and a sneak peek at 2027.
Travel advisors will have the chance to ask questions in real-time in a relaxed and interactive format. Advisors who are interested in registering for the event can do so HERE.
Those who register will be able to access an on-demand version of the virtual event if they are unable to attend.
Flight Centre Travel Group
Flight Centre Travel Group (FCTG), parent company of Canadian leisure brands Flight Centre, Envoyage, and Laurier du Vallon, has acquired Iglu, the UK’s leading online cruise agency and operator of Iglu Cruise, Planet Cruise and Iglu Ski. The acquisition significantly expands FCTG’s global cruise footprint and reinforces the company’s position as one of the world’s most powerful travel groups.
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