BRITISH AIRWAYS INCREASES FLIGHTS TO ANTIGUA & BARBUDA Wednesday 21st September 2011
British Airways has announced an increase in flights to Antigua & Barbuda. The positive news comes at a time when the airline has been cutting back on flights to the Caribbean. Antigua & Barbuda is the only Caribbean destination to have gained additional flights.
British Airways released its 2012 long haul operation summer schedule on Friday. The airline which usually operates six flights weekly from London, Gatwick to Antigua will now increase to this number to seven flights per week starting March 25. The additional flight will depart on Tuesdays.
This announcement follows extensive discussions between British Airways (BA), the Ministry of Tourism and the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority.
“For the first time ever we will have daily service all year round. This is a significant achievement and demonstrates the confidence that British Airways has in the destination. They recognize that Antigua & Barbuda is an excellent product with huge potential out of the UK & Europe.” Said Minister of Tourism, Hon. John Maginley.
“We welcome the move and have pledged our support to ensure the success of the 2012 summer season. We anticipate that the additional BA flight will come as good news to our hotel partners who will be interested in filling as many rooms as possible year round.” continued Minister Maginley.
CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, Colin C. James described the move by British Airways as “an affirmation of their confidence in the continued growth of the tourism product in Antigua & Barbuda. The additional flight will not only generate more visitors from the UK, but will allow for greater access from Europe. The newly established code-sharing arrangement between British Airways and Air Berlin means better connectivity for German visitors who will now have daily same day service.”
UK Director of Tourism, Hilary Modeste is confident that the additional airlift will contribute to improved visitor arrivals in 2012. Reports by UK tour operators indicate that arrivals to Antigua are showing great growth, year-on-year. “Our arrivals are on the rise and the destination continues to buck the trend,” said Modeste.
UK marketing activities became more efficient in 2011, with the UK team focusing on niche markets with emphasis on sailing, cricket and the affordable and luxury hotel product. The UK Director acknowledged the Antigua Hotel and Tourist Association and hotel partners for the support given to the office with marketing activities and the hosting of familiarization trips for the trade and press. He said, the office will continue to work alongside its partners to devise new strategies to attract more visitors to the destination in 2012.
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