ANTIGUA & BARBUDA TOURISM AUTHORITY

Caribbean Week 2013 in New York is being hailed a huge success. This annual celebration is organized by the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) to highlight the sights, sounds and flavors of the Caribbean.

Antigua and Barbuda joined over 30 Caribbean countries in promotional activities that brought together decision makers in the Caribbean’s tourism, travel and investment fields. The week of events included a number of business meetings and networking opportunities as well as a range of experiential events that appeal to consumers, media and the travel trade.

The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism delegation led by Minister John Maginley, created a strong presence at the conference showcasing the destination at the promotional events. The contingent also included Mr. Colin James, CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA) and US Tourism Director, Derede Samuel-Whitlock. The Tourism officials attended a series of business meetings and events with a number of high level media.

At the Caribbean Media Marketplace and the Caribbean Marketing Conference and Awards Luncheon, journalists were updated on the progress of the new terminal at V.C. Bird International Airport, marketing initiatives and new hotel developments. At a private dinner hosted by Klara Glowczewska, Editor In Chief, Conde Nast Traveler Magazine, the Minister shared plans on Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism product with Dorinda Elliott, their Global Affairs Editor.

The Tourism team utilized these key opportunities to increase destination awareness and present business opportunities to travel industry representatives and potential investors in the tri-state area, the largest source market and most accessible US gateway to the destination.

The team also participated in the Caribbean Vacation Mart at the New Yorker Hotel. Hundreds of New Yorkers, including scores of Antiguan and Barbudan nationals, stopped by the destination booth to learn more about attractions and accommodations that the destination has to offer and to take advantage of special promotional offers.

Minister of Tourism, Hon John Maginley said “We had a very successful week engaging investors, media consumers and the trade on product developments and the range of business opportunities that the destination has to offer. I also had an opportunity to participate in a number of Ministerial engagements to discuss the way forward for Caribbean tourism and the many challenges that we face as a region. Each year we use this opportunity bolster our presence in one of our largest source markets by ensuring that we keep the spotlight on Antigua and Barbuda as one of the most diverse offerings in the Caribbean”.