# Antigua and Barbuda tourism leadership and strategy > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/antigua-and-barbuda-tourism-leadership-and-strategy > Updated: 2026-10-05T14:13:10.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2. The Antigua and Barbuda tourism sector has moved toward strategic restructuring and regional leadership. Initially, the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority emphasized the need for a “data-driven strategy” to combat global competition and ensure marketing investments result in measurable economic benefits. Chairman Vernon Jeffers highlighted the importance of managing airlift development through commercial analysis, particularly following the withdrawal of JetBlue’s New York service. By October 2026, the nation’s influence expanded to a regional level as Antigua and Barbuda assumed leadership of the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) during the SOTIC 2026 conference in Guyana. Minister Charles ‘Max’ Fernandez took over leadership of the CTO Ministerial Council, while Colin James, CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, assumed the presidency of the board. The regional focus has shifted toward themes of smart, sustainable, and inclusive tourism, addressing challenges such as air connectivity and artificial intelligence integration. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-05: Antigua and Barbuda assumes leadership of Caribbean Tourism Organization Antigua and Barbuda has taken leadership of the Caribbean Tourism Organization at the SOTIC 2026 conference in Guyana, succeeding Barbados in driving regional tourism development. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/antigua-and-barbuda-assumes-leadership-of-caribbean-tourism-organization ### 2026-09-15: Antigua and Barbuda tourism authority calls for data-driven strategy Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority Chairman Vernon Jeffers warns that the industry must use data-driven strategies to ensure tourism growth delivers measurable economic benefits to citizens. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/antigua-and-barbuda-tourism-authority-calls-for-data-driven-strategy --- Cite as: Antigua and Barbuda tourism leadership and strategy. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/antigua-and-barbuda-tourism-leadership-and-strategy