ANTIGUA & BARBUDA TOURISM AUTHORITY

Antigua’s Carnival celebrations were promoted throughout Guadeloupe’s Carnival celebrations earlier this month from February 8 – February 13.

St. John’s, Antigua (February 16, 2018) - The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA), in collaboration with the Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission embarked on a 5 day mission strategically promoting Antigua and Barbuda and the destination’s upcoming carnival festivities (www.antiguacarnival.com) throughout Guadeloupe, from February 8 – February 13.

The Antiguan Delegation was headed by Director of Culture from The Cultural Development Division, Vaughn Walter, accompanied by Online Marketing Coordinator within the Ministry of Tourism Abena Merchant, Marketing Assistant at the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, and Miss Antigua Queen of Carnival 2013 Raynel Carroll. Marketing Manager for the Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission Roger Perry, Public Relations Officer Azara Lavia, as well as Assistant Manager and Miss Antigua and Barbuda 2016 Leanda Ann Norville also represented the Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission as part of the delegation.

The cultural journey began with a presentation on the topic of carnival to students of Jardin d’Essai High School, followed by an evening welcome at the Pwen La Mas Camp - a popular mas troupe in Guadeloupe. Director Walter expressed his appreciation to the mas troupe for welcoming the team and inviting members of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority and Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission to join the Pwen La mas troupe on the road, in full Guadeloupean costume for the festivities.

During Guadeloupe’s carnival celebrations, Antigua and Barbuda received a significant amount of exposure through media interviews on Guadeloupe’s national television station, at La 1ere Media House, Canal TV, RCI Radio, C-10 FM, ETV, ATV and Premier TV and radio, amongst others.

Delegation members’ Abena Merchant and Azara Lavia were both able to completely immerse themselves into the rich Guadeloupian culture by taking part in Guadeloupe’s J’ouvert celebration in African attire, painted faces and covered in molasses.

Antigua’s and Barbuda’s tourism and culture was also highlighted, with Norville and Carroll donning costumes showcasing Antigua and Barbuda’s carnival.

Antigua and Barbuda will welcome 200 members from Pwen La Mas Camp along with officials from Guadeloupe to participate in Antigua’s Carnival 2018. Pwen La mas Camp will join masqueraders with their drums and costumes throughout St. John’s City on Carnival Monday and Tuesday, displaying their culture while engulfing themselves into all Antigua and Barbuda has to offer.

“The synergy has been formed, the connections have been made and we look forward to welcoming you to the greatest summer festival, Antigua’s Carnival from July 27 – August 7, 2018. We will take care of you.” noted Director of Culture Vaughn Walter to the lovely people at Pwen la Mas camp.

As part of their visit to Guadeloupe, members of Antigua and Barbuda’s delegation, also met with Marie- Luce Penchard - Vice President of the Guadeloupe Region with responsibility for regional cooperation, along with other Government and private sector stakeholders in Guadeloupe.  The key focus of the meetings was on attracting more visitors from Guadeloupe to Antigua and Barbuda and vice versa.

“It is important for us to rebuild that important trade link between both islands, and this trip proves it can be done. It is just the start of a new beginning” stated Roger Perry, Marketing Manager at the Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission.

Guadeloupians were encouraged to take advantage of a 10% promotional offer available for Antigua’s Carnival, with travel from July 25 – August 10, when booked by March 31, using the Promo Code, ANU CL.  

For further information on Antigua and Barbuda visit: www.visitantiguabarbuda.com and www.antiguacarnival.com

For full details of the LIAT Promotional Offer and Terms and Conditions, visit www.Liat.com