Luxury Tourism & Investment: Antigua’s US$200M Long Bay Zen Resort officially launched at Long Bay, with demolition starting immediately and major construction slated for Q4 2026; the 113-key “quiet luxury” project is pitched as a “Smart Island” model with green energy, desalination, AI butler service and automated vehicles. Branded Hospitality Sales: Elite Island Resorts appointed Melissa Alexander as director of group sales, aiming to grow meetings, incentives and leisure group business across its Antigua, Barbados and Panama properties. Tourism Measurement Push: The Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association (CHTA) is urging governments to adopt a broader way to measure tourism value—focusing on domestic capture, investment in people and environmental impact—after discussions in Antigua. Aviation & Connectivity: LIAT Air and Air Caraïbes signed an interline agreement to let travellers book with one ticket and check luggage through to final destinations, expanding links from Antigua to Europe via Paris. Port & Maritime Leadership: Antigua and Barbuda Port Authority officials paid tribute to former chairman Senator Mary-Clare Hurst, crediting her with driving reforms that reshaped the port system. Food Systems & Resilience: Antigua and Barbuda Tourism officials highlighted the Caribbean Food Forum’s push for local food systems, while agriculture experts warned El Niño drought and higher fertiliser costs could worsen food security and raise import bills. Youth Health Policy: Regional coverage flags a fast-growing youth vaping problem, urging Caribbean governments to move faster on regulation and education. Workplace Accountability: The Industrial Court upheld Epicurean’s dismissal of a former bag carrier over misuse of a staff loyalty card scheme. Regional Events: Caribbean Week in New York 2026 opened with tourism leaders meeting in Manhattan to strengthen cooperation and market positioning.