TORONTO — Many destinations lay claim to the best culinary offering in the Caribbean, but few ‘walk the walk’ like Antigua and Barbuda.

A delicious dinner put together by the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority showcased everything tasty from the islands at last night’s event at EPOS in Yorkville.

Travel industry professionals dined on tamarind compote atop wood bread (traditionally baked in wood-fired ovens), mahi mahi, goat confit and Qatayef pancakes with saltfish. The gastronomic getaway ended with a pineapple and passionfruit dessert.

Many Caribbean islands share similar dishes, but the experience is always one of a kind, says the ABTA’s Director for Tourism, Canada, Tameka Wharton. Just like on the popular Food Network show ‘Chopped’, “you could give 10 Caribbean islands 10 different ingredients and they would all make something different,” Wharton told Travelweek. “We’re all very unique. Especially with our culinary offering. And we want to define that here tonight.”

The Canadian traveller is educated about travel, added Wharton. “They don’t necessarily want to just go to an all-inclusive. They want to experience the destination. And that includes culinary and on-island dining. Canadians like a culinary component. Unlike some other markets, we like to take our vacations easy. We’re not as rambunctious as travellers from other markets. We love to take it all in, enjoy the flavours.”

Wharton noted that May 2026 marks the return of Antigua and Barbuda Culinary Month, a month long festival showcasing Antiguan and Barbudan cuisine and the vibrant culture of the islands.

Qatayef pancake with saltfish, just one of the highlights from the ABTA’s ‘Culinary Journey’ event at EPOS in Toronto’s Yorkville neighbourhood

The event blends food, tradition, and community through an islandwide Restaurant Week with prix-fixe menus at restaurants across the islands, the immersive Eat Like A Local cookshop trail, the lively FAB (Food, Art & Beverage) Fest, and the region’s leading hospitality gathering, the Caribbean Food Forum.

Acclaimed chefs from the U.S., UK and Canada – including James Beard winner Nina Compton, Top Chef winner Tristen Epps, NYT three-star chef Paul Carmichael, TV personality Andi Oliver, Chopped champion Claude Lewis, Canada-born Suzanne Barr and Canada’s own Chef Devan Rajkumar – celebrate Caribbean foodways and culture through collaborative dinners, beachside cookouts, and festival experiences that highlight the islands’ rich heritage.

Getting to Antigua is easy, with direct flights from Toronto Pearson to Antigua’s V.C Bird International Airport (ANU) taking just under five hours. Carriers offering nonstop service include Air Canada and WestJet. High season (December – April) is peak travel time, with ideal weather. The off season (July – November ) is the quietest period, and ideal for more flexible travel options. The shoulder season (May – June) has fewer crowds, and is great for events like Culinary Month.

ABTA RAMPS UP REPRESENTATION IN CANADA

The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority recently appointed Aldeen Consulting as its public relations agency of record in Canada, supporting its continued investment in the Canadian market. Led by Adrienne Harry, the agency will manage media relations, trade communications, and industry engagement to further position Antigua and Barbuda with both travellers and the Canadian travel trade.

The appointment comes as Antigua and Barbuda expands its presence in Canada, including recent sales representation in the Quebec and Ottawa markets and the launch of a Travel Agent Advisory Committee. The focus will be on increasing awareness, supporting trade partners, and driving visitation from Canada across key segments, including multi-generational, luxury, and experience-led travel.

The ABTA recently expanded its footprint in Quebec and Ottawa with new trade representation. Sylvie Madore, President and CEO of the Quebec-based marketing and communications agency La Tribu Gourmande, and marketing consultant Danièle Bouchard have been appointed by ABTA to help grow visits to the destination, deepen travel advisor engagement and expand consumer awareness across Quebec and Ottawa.

And earlier this year the ABTA announced its first-ever Canadian Travel Agent Advisory Committee, marking a new step in its collaboration with the Canadian travel trade. “Canadian travel advisors play a critical role in shaping how travellers discover and experience Antigua and Barbuda,” said Wharton.

Wharton was joined at last night’s event by the Aldeen Consulting team, along with the ABTA’s Marketing and Communications Manager, Kyle Christian.

Also in attendance last night was Toronto’s Shelley Challenger, who runs the beautiful Villa Coby, one of Antigua’s villa options. The fully renovated, gated luxury villa located in Jolly Harbour, is designed for private vacations in the Caribbean, with four bedrooms, three full modern bathrooms, and a private pool surrounded by alfresco dining spaces.

For more information about travel to Antigua and Barbuda, check out VisitAntiguaBarbuda.com, and click here for the Antigua and Barbuda Specialist Program.

Lead image caption: The ABTA’s Marketing and Communications Manager, Kyle Christian, and Director for Tourism, Canada, Tameka Wharton