Antigua and Barbuda ranked No. 7 in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards

Condé Nast Traveler named Antigua and Barbuda the No. 7 island in the Caribbean & the Atlantic in its 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards, based on more than 757,000 reader responses. The ranking gives the twin-island destination a new global spotlight as it promotes beaches, sailing, culture and heritage beyond the shore.

Why it matters: - The ranking puts Antigua and Barbuda among the Caribbean’s top islands in a major travel publication’s reader-driven survey. - The recognition can reinforce the destination’s appeal to leisure travelers looking for beaches, sailing, culture and heritage. - The tourism authority is using the result to underscore that Antigua and Barbuda offers more than beach tourism.

What happened: - Condé Nast Traveler announced its 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards on Oct. 7, 2026. - Antigua and Barbuda was ranked No. 7 in the Caribbean & the Atlantic island category. - The awards were based on more than 757,000 survey responses from readers across the United States. - The full list of winners is available on Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards page.

The details: - Colin C. James, CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, said the recognition reflects the experiences that continue to draw travelers to the destination and the work of the tourism sector. - James said Antigua and Barbuda’s 365 beaches remain an iconic part of its appeal. - Antigua pairs beaches with world-class sailing, culinary experiences, historic sites and a full calendar of events. - Barbuda is known for pink sand beaches, pristine landscapes and a quieter island experience. - Nelson’s Dockyard remains one of the destination’s signature landmarks. - The 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards appear on Condé Nast Traveler’s website and are featured in the magazine’s November issue. - Antigua and Barbuda describes itself as a twin-island destination in the Caribbean Sea with year-round warm temperatures, award-winning resorts and 365 beaches. - Antigua covers 108 square miles and is the larger of the two islands. - Nelson’s Dockyard is described as the only continuously working Georgian-era dockyard in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site. - Antigua’s event calendar includes Antigua Racing Cup, Antigua Sailing Week, Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta, Antigua and Barbuda Culinary Month, Antigua Carnival and Antigua and Barbuda Art Week. - Barbuda is 27 miles northeast of Antigua and about a 15-minute plane ride away. - Barbuda’s 11-mile pink sand beach and the largest Frigate Bird Sanctuary in the Western Hemisphere are among its best-known features. - Antigua and Barbuda’s official website is visitantiguabarbuda.com. - The destination also maintains social channels on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Between the lines: - Reader-based awards matter because they signal where travelers themselves want to go, not just what industry insiders promote. - The ranking supports Antigua and Barbuda’s effort to position the islands as a broader experience built on nature, food, sailing and history. - The message is clear: the destination wants to convert beach recognition into longer, more varied visitor interest.

What's next: - Antigua and Barbuda will likely lean on the ranking in future tourism marketing. - The tourism authority is expected to keep promoting the islands through events, heritage sites and outdoor experiences. - The November issue placement should give the destination another boost as travelers plan trips for 2027.

The bottom line: - Antigua and Barbuda has a fresh third-party endorsement from one of travel’s best-known reader surveys, and the destination is framing it as proof that its appeal goes well beyond beaches.