Creatives Network – By Staff Writer
Creatives Network Strengthen Tourism
Elite Island Resorts is looking to harness the talent of Antigua and Barbuda’s vibrant creative community in its efforts to offer visitors a more authentic cultural experience while creating new opportunities for local artists and entrepreneurs.
More than 70 members of the country’s creative sector gathered recently at The Verandah Resort for a networking event that brought together filmmakers, musicians, writers, photographers, artists, interior designers, artisans and entrepreneurs to explore partnerships with the hospitality industry.
The evening also featured the launch of Antigua and Barbuda’s Reggae Ambassador Causion’s fresh take on his classic hit, “One Life to Live.” The veteran entertainer has been collaborating with Elite Island Resorts on a series of promotional videos showcasing Antigua and Barbuda’s people, culture and natural beauty.
Addressing the gathering, Larry Basham, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Marketing Officer of Elite Island Resorts, said the company is committed to integrating local arts and culture into the guest experience while opening new doors for Antigua and Barbuda’s creative professionals.
“We want to bring the arts and culture experience to the hotels, to the guests and to the world,” Basham said, encouraging those in attendance to bring forward their ideas for future collaborations.
He said investing in local creatives is not only good for business but also for the country’s long-term development.
“Antigua and Barbuda has one of the most active and vibrant creative communities in the Caribbean. Partnering with local creative talent provides opportunities, income and exposure at all levels. It builds friendships and relationships between visitors, business owners, and creative leaders. It’s a recipe for long-term success.”
Causion described the event as an important step in bringing the country’s creative community together.
“It was a wonderful event, a room filled with a lot of talented people. I can’t wait to see what comes out of it,” he said.
The reggae ambassador added that he hopes the ideas and connections made during the evening will translate into real opportunities before participants gather again next year.
“I hope that when we all meet again next year, we’ll see that the ideas generated here have helped advance people’s careers.”
The networking event underscored Elite Island Resorts’ growing commitment to supporting home-grown talent by creating meaningful partnerships between the tourism sector and Antigua and Barbuda’s creative industries. Organisers hope the initiative will become an annual event, providing a platform for collaboration, innovation and economic opportunity while showcasing the country’s rich artistic and cultural heritage to visitors from around the world.
