ANTIGUA & BARBUDA TOURISM AUTHORITY

Martha Watkins Gilkes with steel pan player at WDHOF event

(New York, NY, Nov 7, 2011) As the destination gears up for the winter season, the US Tourism Office continues to strengthen its partnership with the Women Divers Hall of Fame (WDHOF) to promote the destination at the annual Diving Equipment Manufactures Show (DEMA).

Last year, at the Kool Karibbean Extravaganza fundraiser, former Antiguan resident, and TV personality, ROBIN LEACH was host and emcee of the event which raised thousands of dollars and helped to put Antigua and Barbuda in the spotlight.

This year's event was held in Orlando, Florida and Antigua's own Martha Watkins Gilkes, fundraising chairperson for WDHOF coordinated the event and promoted Antigua and Barbuda as one of the unique diving options of the Caribbean. Dubbed Tropical Dreams and Paradise Sunsets the event featured a diverse offering of diving trips and packages from around the globe.

According to Martha Watkins Gilkes, This year's event was bigger and better and attendees enjoyed an evening of delightful food, drinks and steel pan music arranged by the US Tourism Office. There were live and silent auctions and many door prizes.

Leslie Leaney, recognized as America's Ambassador of Diving History, was this year's host and emcee. Antigua and Barbuda was proudly represented with trips to the SUGAR RIDGE RESORT and TREETOPS Antigua, among the dozens of dive & resort packages that were auctioned.

Every year, the Kool Karibbean Extravaganza fundraiser is held at the DEMA SHOW  www.dema.org, the foremost diving tradeshow in the world. It brings together key members of the diving industry, in an upbeat, casual setting and is a major fundraiser for WDHOF causes including Scholarships and Training Grants. Financial and/or educational assistance is provided to individuals of all ages, particularly those preparing for professional careers that involve scuba diving.