ANTIGUA & BARBUDA TOURISM AUTHORITY

With more than 8 million viewers world-wide tuning in, the romantic islands of Antigua & Barbuda took centre stage as the scenic backdrop for the Rose Ceremony Episode of ABC’s Television primetime reality series, The Bachelorette.

Antigua and Barbuda, ‘The Romance Capital of the Caribbean’ was chosen from amongst other Caribbean destinations as the perfect location for this season’s two-part finale episodes of the ABC TV show, The Bachelorette.  

Minister of Tourism & Civil Aviation, Honorable John Maginley commented, “Antigua and Barbuda was proud to be showcased on US national television during ABC’s season finale episodes of The Bachelorette. This was a fantastic opportunity to introduce our beautiful islands to the entire world, along with the high-standard of accommodations on-island through our partnership with Elite Island Resorts.”

Larry Basham, Chief Operating Officer of Elite Island Resorts, noted, “This project has given Antigua & Barbuda a tremendous boost in terms of public relations, market profile, and exposure to millions of viewers within the island’s travel demographic.”

The two-part finale episodes featured the spectacular beaches and exotic scenery of Antigua & Barbuda, coupled with the romance and style of St. James’s Club & Villas, The Verandah Resort & Spa and Galley Bay Resort & Spa. Antigua & Barbuda provided the idyllic setting for the remaining suitors and Bachelorette, Desiree Hartsock, who found true love during the finale episode which aired Monday, August 5^th, 2013. 

Antigua & Barbuda was featured on two episodes of The Bachelorette, on the show that aired July, 29^th 2013, The Bachelorette was the highest rated show on American television with over 8 million viewers.  On Monday August 5^th, The Bachelorette was again the highest rated show of the night, doubling all rivals in the 8—10pm time slot.  The show was top ranking among adults 18 - 49 years old, and attracted more than 8.672 million viewers.

"The Bachelorette, with its appeal to millions of viewers in North America, provides an excellent opportunity to showcase our breathtaking islands which are world renowned for love and romance. The four hours of prime time television exposure that Antigua and Barbuda received is an unparalleled PR opportunity for our destination. This opportunity will yield significant brand awareness for Antigua and Barbuda which will translate into a significant spike in our visitor arrivals for the upcoming winter season," said Colin C. James, CEO of the Antigua & Barbuda Tourism Authority.  

This season on The Bachelorette, Desiree, 27, an operations manager and stylist at a bridal salon, who previously charmed America’s favorite Bachelor, Sean Lowe, had another chance of finding true love with 25 potential soul mates and she got another shot at love as the Bachelorette. Millions watched, stunned, as Sean sent Desiree home following the hometown dates even after she pleaded he was making a big mistake. Desiree did not give up on her dream of finding true love, and find yours in romantic isles of Antigua and Barbuda, where love abounds in every moment!

To learn more about Antigua and Barbuda Tourism go to www.visitantiguabarbuda.com or follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/antiguabarbuda .