ANTIGUA & BARBUDA TOURISM AUTHORITY

St. John’s, Antigua (June 13, 2019) – The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA) is reporting a strong showing at the recently held IBTM Americas at Centro Citibanamex in Mexico City. IBTM Americas brings together the who's who of the events industry to meet over two days of inspiration, networking and education. The Antigua and Barbuda delegation was led by Donyelle Bird-Browne, Tourism & Investment Manager – USA at the ABTA, and she was accompanied by Maria Britto Bettini, Managing Director of South American Ventures.

Donyelle Bird-Browne, Tourism & Investment Manager - USA at the ABTA (left), and Maria Britto Bettini, Managing Director of South American Ventures

During the two days, Antigua’s delegation met with a variety of meeting planners through scheduled appointments to negotiate contracts and secure business.  They conducted a number of high-level meetings, including Armando Bojorquez Patron, President of Actual, the largest tour operator company in Latin America that manages over 200 successful tour operators, as well as The Royalton Luxury Resorts, whose Antigua property will be hosting some major groups starting in Fall 2019.

“IBTM Americas was a huge success. This included a meeting with Mexico’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Marcelo Ebrard Casaubon with regards to tourism opportunities and expanding trade relationships. We also met with a Mexican-American investor, who will visit the island in the coming weeks to explore investment opportunities,” noted Bird-Browne.

Subsequent to IBTM Americas, ABTA executives, lead by CEO, Colin James will be traveling to Fort Lauderdale for a series of meetings with charter flight operators from Latin America to secure additional service to Antigua, with additional details to be released at that time.

During the two-day international trade show, the delegation also conducted a number of interviews with social and traditional media outlets including TV Turistik and Radio Formula, introducing both Mexican and USA Latin American audiences to the wonderful attractions, hotels, restaurants and experiences on offer in Antigua and Barbuda in a live interview with the #1 TV host Alfredo Palacios.