ANTIGUA & BARBUDA TOURISM AUTHORITY

For the 6th year, Antigua and Barbuda Tourism was a major sponsor of The Women Divers Hall of Fame Annual Gala Auction, one of the premier events at the Diving Equipment and Marketing Association (DEMA) Expo in Las Vegas. 
 
This spectacular event dubbed TROPICAL DREAMS & PARADISE SUNSTES, captured the true essence of Diving as a recreational sport and showcased Antigua and Barbuda as a premier diving destination in the Caribbean. 

Internationally acclaimed marine artist, WYLAND, whose work has been featured in the twin island state, was host and emcee of the 2012 event that featured exciting dive and resort packages, high-end art work, jewelry and other rare finds. The artist engaged the large audience in a series of bids to capture more than $30,000 US worth of items on the auction block.
  
The annual Gala attracts a star studded audience and brings together key members of the diving industry to raise money for worthy causes such The Women Divers Hall of Fame scholarships and training grants for young men and women entering marine education fields. 
 
Fund Raising Chair of The Women Divers Hall of Fame, Antiguan based, Martha Watkins Gilkes is very excited about the fundraising and promotional opportunities that are generated each year at this event.  “I am delighted that for the sixth year, Antigua and Barbuda was featured at this important event hosted by The Women Divers Hall of Fame. It provides a unique opportunity to bring the destination to the forefront of the diving community at this worldwide tradeshow. With WYLAND as host, the evening was even more exciting and emerged as one of the most exciting and entertaining events at the Diving Equipment and Marketing Association (DEMA) Expo.”
 
Three years ago WYLAND traveled to Antigua and Barbuda to paint a life sized marine wall with local students. The initiative was sponsored by ABITPC (Antigua and Barbuda Independent Tourism Promotion Corp.) headed by Gilkes. 

Martha Watkins Gilkes with Antiguan steel pan player

 
Another major highlight of the evening was steel pan music provided by the US Tourism office, which helped to showcase the culture and attractions of Antigua and Barbuda and also create an authentic Caribbean atmosphere.  Auction items from Antigua and Barbuda included exclusive vacation packages from Sugar Ridge Resort and Tree Tops,   a “one of a kind” mermaid painting donated by Antiguan based marine artist,  Katie Mcconnichie and a “priceless” piece of  30 million year old fossilized coral,  called  ANTIGUNITE,  indigenous to Antigua and Barbuda,  handcrafted by Hans Smit of  the Goldsmitthy.
 
Antigua and Barbuda youth who may be interested in a career in marine education can apply for scholarships or training grant programs listed on The Women Divers Hall of Fame website www.wdhof.org.
 
DEMA is the world’s leading dive show for professionals, where more than 10,000 industry leaders from around the globe converge each year to network and conduct business.