Tameka Wharton on her journey in the travel industry and her love for the twin-island nation she promotes
Tell us a little bit about yourself and how long you’ve been in the travel industry?
I’ve been with the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority from its inception, which was in 2009. 16 years ago, my journey started as the CEO’s first hire, as his personal assistant. I understood the mission of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, and I am proud to say I was there to help knit together the framework of what our journey of excellence looks like today.
I did every job possible that was to be done, both supporting the entire team and filling in gaps where needed. Even early on, I understood the importance of the work we were doing and that everything we did was to become a blueprint for those to follow.
While working, I furthered my studies in hospitality management and this program culminated in a trip to Canada for French immersion. This visit sparked my interest in supporting Canadian operations, although never in my wildest thoughts did I think that interest would lead to where I sit today, managing a great team of tourism professionals.
In 2013, I joined the Canadian office as a Sales and Marketing Manager, promoting the destination across the Canadian region and worked in this role for over a decade. In January 2025, I was named the Director of Tourism for the Canada region. I am proud that, in this role, I have been able to lean in and take a more transformational leadership approach. Personally, my professional journey has taught me empathy and the need to be intentional about work-life balance, particularly after having my beautiful daughter, Zi. I manage the team with a vision for inclusivity, well-being and happiness being a top priority. Collectively, the team understands this mission and recognizes the need to be thorough and proactive with their work as we hold ourselves to a standard of excellence. We work smart and try not to have to repeat any steps by having strategic, well thought out plans.
Did you always know you wanted to be in the industry?
There is a saying in Antigua and Barbuda, that “tourism is everybody’s business.” It was not a case where I knew I wanted to go directly into tourism, but I was cognizant that everything that we do, in Antigua and Barbuda, is connected to the industry in some way. Based on my own upbringing, I’ve always wanted to be a part of a positive movement. As a result, I am now a part of an organization whose work, in many ways, plays a role in ensuring that many Antiguans and Barbudans have a sustainable livelihood. This sense of purpose and impact also contributes to my source of pride in representation of our twin islands.
What was the hardest part of adjusting to life in Canada?
The hardest part of adjusting to life in Canada is a sad story. A month after moving to Canada, my mom became very ill. She subsequently passed away. I was raised by a single mother and she was very proud of my accomplishment. In fact, I accepted the post because I knew it made her happy. So, the initial stages of being in Canada were pretty tough for me. For years, I did not have a family unit here, and so, without support, it just became about the work. Everything was different from life in sunny Antigua. So, there were a lot of adjustments, which I am still learning to this day. So no, it was not about the cold winters, but the isolation and thinking that work could fill that void.
Can you give us your elevator pitch on why Canadians should escape to the cold and head to Antigua and Barbuda this winter?
Antigua and Barbuda is a place of peace and solace. Canada is beautiful, but if a Canadian wants to escape to a place where they can breathe and retreat from the fast pace, Antigua is the best and most beautiful choice for many. We have 365 beaches which offer the best of nature’s hydrotherapy. It’s medicinal. It’s therapeutic. The people are lovely and we love Canadians. A quick four-and-a-half-hour plane ride from Toronto’s Pearson Airport to Antigua will transport you to a destination where you are speaking the same language, you’re eating great food, and you are fully welcomed. In Antigua we say, “invited guests are always treated the best.” In my dialect, “a wah you a wait fah.”
Can you name a hotel in Antigua and Barbuda that is still on your bucket list?
I am fortunate that I have enjoyed most of the hotels on the islands. The properties in Antigua and Barbuda are all unique and must be tried at least once, then you could choose your repeat. There are some new-builds on the horizon like the Nobu Hotel in Barbuda and Nikki Beach on Antigua that I am excited to visit once they open. On the subject of bucket lists, what I can say is that anyone can afford Antigua and Barbuda… Some may just have to save for a little bit longer, especially if the intention is to have an ultra-luxurious experience like Jumby Bay or Hermitage Bay.
What is something a Canadian traveller shouldn’t leave Antigua and Barbuda without seeing, doing, experiencing or eating?
A Canadian traveller should not leave Antigua without visiting Barbuda. Visiting the frigate bird sanctuary and pink sand beach when it is ‘pinking’ in Barbuda are both must-sees. There is a ferry that can take you across or if you’re not a seafaring person there are a few other extraordinary options. We have a 15-minute airplane ride or, for a one-in-a-lifetime experience, you can take a helicopter and add in an island tour from up above. Whether by land or sea, make it there.
Additionally, Canadians should not leave without eating (if they’re not allergic) the seafood, specifically, the fresh-to-order Barbuda spiny lobster. Also, they should try our national dish Fungee and Pepperpot and some of our local eats. My favourite thing to eat in Antigua are the roadside weekend soups and the broths. The goat water and the conch water – yum. Also sample our homemade confectionaries which can be easily found at our Independence Food Fair. Each bite has a story woven in with the essence of our heritage and culture. Oh, and don’t leave Antigua without discovering our beautiful topography. Getting out into nature, enjoy a hike with some of the local guides, and yes, take a city walk with a food tour. Go make some chocolate. Take a rum masterclass, or at the very least, taste our English Harbor Rum. There is so much, you must visit!
What’s something many people may not know about you?
I am an ambivert and my people can quickly tell when I am in either phase. One would say “Tameka, it’s time for your dark shades.” Also, when travelling, I am usually packing just hours before heading to the port. Though I am serious about work, I love a good laugh, which is evident once I am in a safe space.
Is there anything you can share about how agents can experience the destination for themselves this year and beyond?
The easiest way is to write to your BDM or visit www.antiguabarbudata.com to log your interest in FAM trips. Heading in on a vacation, call us to coordinate a site day. If you are not yet logging your bookings, start today. Our top sellers head to Antigua annually for the Black Pineapple Awards, which is an all-expense-paid reward to receive your awards. Call us at 416-975-1268 or visit the office at 201-100 Sheppard Avenue East.
We’ve heard that you’re a good singer. If you had to sing karaoke night, which song would you pick?
Me singing at a karaoke tends to be intimidating to others who are just there for the fun of it. But if I had to do it, the song would be Aretha Franklin’s Natural Woman.
Do you have anything to add?
For those of you new to the industry, take care of you. It can be hard, but don’t create regret by doing this too late. I have some regrets! Leaders let us try to lead with genuine empathy and not only when it hits home and becomes personal. We tend to hear and listen differently as our experience grows. There is always a balance, however I have been amazed by some of what I have heard some leaders say in recent times, realizing once this was me or could be me. To my beloved daughter Zion, thank you for making me a better leader, a better woman and saving me from myself!
