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Matthew Urges Hotels to Contribute Financially to Carnival
Creative Industries Minister Daryll Matthew is appealing to the hotel sector to offer more tangible financial support for Antigua and Barbuda’s Carnival, saying the industry profits significantly from the influx of visitors during the annual event.
Speaking on ABS’s First Look programme, the minister said Carnival contributes directly to increased tourist arrivals, hotel occupancy, and spending in the local economy, yet the financial burden of staging the festival remains largely on the government.
“The only entity that doesn’t see a tangible return is the Department of Creative Industries and the Festival’s Office,” Matthew said.
“We spend a tremendous amount of money organising and marketing Carnival, but the funds go into the wider economy.”
He noted that stakeholders such as nail technicians, clothing retailers, and restaurants all benefit during the Carnival season — as do hotels, which often report near-full occupancy during the traditionally slower months of June and July.
“When our hoteliers boast of 80% and 90% occupancy during the summer, it’s not just because Antigua is a beautiful place. It’s because they come for an event called Carnival,” he said.
Matthew specifically called on hotels to move beyond token contributions such as complimentary day passes and instead commit real financial resources.
“We need cold, hard cash to pay for the event called Carnival,” he stated.
According to the minister, the government invests over $5 million annually into Carnival, covering marketing, logistics, prize money, and payments to service providers.
While Cabinet support has ensured financial stability in recent years, Matthew said broader stakeholder contributions are essential for sustainability.
“If they [hotels] do well, the country does well. But for specific events that attract persons to Antigua and Barbuda, they need to support those events — Carnival and cricket in particular,” he said.
With preparations for Carnival 2025 already underway, including record interest in costume bands and strong music production, the government is aiming to deliver one of the largest and most successful festivals in years.
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Dem ah mek all de money off de visitors, so why dem can’t put back into de culture?
Makes sense—hotels benefit big time from Carnival, so they should chip in.
If dem nah want support we culture, maybe we start recommend guest house instead!
Hotels, airlines, bars—they all profit. Time for them to give back directly.
Tourism and culture go hand in hand. Hotel man dem need fi member dat.]