ANTIGUA & BARBUDA TOURISM AUTHORITY

(St John’s, Antigua) PRESS RELEASE - The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA) today announced the appointment of Cherrie Osborne to the position of Director of Tourism UK and Europe. As incoming Director she is charged with the responsibility of directing and managing the country’s efforts to market and promote the twin-island destination in the UK and Europe.
 

Ms. Osborne began her career in the UK tourist office in 2006 and was later promoted to Sales and Marketing Manager in 2009, where she has served with distinction in developing strong links with British tour operators and airline partners. She has ably deputized in the position on numerous occasions and brings to the role a wealth of experience and contacts relevant to promoting Antigua and Barbuda in the UK.
 

In making the announcement, Minister of Tourism the Hon. John H. Maginley said, “After serving as second in command for the past six years, this young Antiguan has shown that she possesses the maturity and capacity to lead our tourism promotion efforts in the UK and Europe. She has a keen understanding of the product, and a wealth of experience working with the UK travel industry. I look forward to her leadership in reinforcing the destination’s image and promoting brand Antigua and Barbuda in Europe. I also thank her immediate predecessor Mr. Hilary Modeste for his leadership of the UK and European team over the past five years and wish him well on his well-earned retirement.”
 

On learning of her promotion, Ms. Osborne said, “I am excited about the opportunity to lead an experienced team in the development of Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism industry, building on the vision through dynamism, innovation and through strong relationships with our tourism industry partners.   The tourism industry has gone through a challenging period in recent years. However, Antigua and Barbuda’s Tourism product remains resilient. We continue to adapt to the changing environment. As we enter into 2014, we must continue to build on our successes of the last year. I am confident that working together we will achieve our growth targets.”
 

Chief Executive Officer of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority Colin C. James said, “Miss Osborne has been particularly effective in building a large network of business relationships with European tourism partners. Additionally, the PR projects such as the recently successful X-Factor TV episodes that Cherrie has spearheaded have resulted in immense exposure for our destination. On behalf of the entire team, I would like to extend heartfelt congratulations to Cherrie as the first Antigua and Barbuda national to lead the Tourism Authority’s efforts in the UK and Europe. It a great achievement for her and this promotion is well deserved.”
 

With the increase in airlift from the UK for the upcoming winter season and the recent marketing efforts in building brand Antigua and Barbuda, the UK is expected to record a growth in overall visitor arrivals this year.