St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda, Tuesday 28th July  – The Antigua & Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association (ABHTA) is proud to feature Jesse Thomas as the latest professional in its Unveiling Hospitality Professionals series, recognizing the individuals whose passion, innovation and leadership continue to shape Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism and hospitality industry.

For Jesse Thomas, exceptional hospitality is enriched by the connection between people, place and local produce. Throughout his career, he has championed the integration of agriculture, sustainability and tourism, demonstrating how farmers, chefs and hospitality professionals can work together to create authentic visitor experiences and strengthen Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism product.

Currently serving as Agritourism Director within the Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation and Investment, Thomas has built an impressive career spanning agritourism, agribusiness, trade and sustainable development. His hospitality journey began in 2000 as an airline customer service agent with Airport Services Antigua, where his passion for delivering exceptional visitor experiences first took root. Since then, he has become one of Antigua and Barbuda’s leading advocates for integrating local agriculture into the tourism product.

Holding a Master of Science in Agriculture and Development from the University of Reading in the United Kingdom and a Bachelor of Science in Foreign Trade from Universidad Internacional in Mexico, Thomas has contributed extensively to agricultural value-chain development, strategic trade consultancy—including work with the Antigua and Barbuda Investment Authority (ABIA)—and academic lecturing. His expertise has helped shape policies and initiatives that strengthen both the agricultural and tourism sectors.

Photo Caption: Jesse Thomas, Agri Tourism Director of the Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation and Investment

His commitment to the industry has also made him a valued partner of the ABHTA. Since 2023, Thomas has served as Procurement and Logistics Manager for the Taste of Wadadli Junior Chef Initiative, helping to deliver a transformative programme that nurtures the next generation of culinary professionals. Since 2024, he has been a member of the Management Team of the National Culinary Team of Antigua and Barbuda, supporting the team’s preparation for regional and international competitions. He has also shared his expertise as a judge for the Cook-Off Competition of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Awards Gala, recognizing and celebrating excellence among the nation’s culinary professionals.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Thomas is a practicing farmer, a passionate advocate for the global Slow Food movement, and the founder of BEE Apiary, a pioneering “Soil-to-Table” enterprise dedicated to artisanal honey production, culinary heritage and environmental education. His work also extends to youth culinary mentorship, ecological innovation through the Vetiver System, and the development of craft beverages using indigenous flora—all with the goal of showcasing Antigua and Barbuda’s rich natural resources and culinary identity.

Whether mentoring young chefs, supporting farmers, advising policymakers or promoting sustainable tourism, Thomas continues to inspire a vision of hospitality that is authentic, inclusive and deeply rooted in local culture. His work demonstrates that the future of Caribbean tourism lies not only in exceptional service, but also in celebrating the people, products and traditions that make each destination unique.

Through its Unveiling Hospitality Professionals series, the ABHTA proudly celebrates industry leaders like Jesse Thomas, whose dedication, expertise and collaborative spirit continue to strengthen Antigua and Barbuda’s hospitality sector and inspire future generations of tourism professionals.

Follow @antiguahotels on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn to discover more inspiring stories from the Unveiling Hospitality Professionals series.

Watch Jesse Thomas inspiring story here: https://youtu.be/vqK_7xlf__k

About the Unveiling Hospitality Professionals Series

The Unveiling Hospitality Professionals (UHP) series is an award-winning initiative of the Antigua & Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association (ABHTA) that celebrates the individuals whose passion, expertise and dedication strengthen Antigua and Barbuda’s hospitality and tourism industry. By sharing the stories of professionals from across the sector, the series recognizes excellence, inspires future industry leaders, and highlights the people who create exceptional visitor experiences. In 2023, the series received the People Development & Support Award at the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association’s (CHTA) CHIEF Awards for its contribution to workforce development and industry recognition.