ANTIGUA & BARBUDA TOURISM AUTHORITY

Photo caption:  Journalists and ABTA  UK escorts strike a pose at Jolly Beach

The five journalists representing celebrity magazine Now, ethnic magazine Pride, the John Lewis Edition and newspapers: The Irish Times, and The Daily Mirror, travelled to the island as guests of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority and the Ministry of Tourism and Culture. 

“The journalists arrived, with only Antigua and Barbuda’s fabulous 365 beaches in mind. And while, Antigua and Barbuda is renowned for our stunning white sandy beaches and turquoise waters, we need to spread the word on the many exciting events and activities available to our visitors”, said Maria Blackman, Tourism Attaché with the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority’s UK Office.

“The summer when Antigua is buzzing with Carnival celebrations, is just one of the best times to showcase the other aspects of the tourism product.”

The journalists attended the Soca Monarch show and journeyed into St. John’s for J’ouvert morning activities. In keeping with the j’ouvert morning tradition, they were treated to a local street-side breakfast of lingfish, mackerel, Johnny cakes, pumpkin fritters, boiled eggs and chop-up.

The Antigua Hotel and Tourist Association also arranged for members of the group to play mas with holders of the Large Band of the Year title, Revellers on their 35th anniversary of mas playing. 

In addition to wining their way through the carnival activities, the group trekked through Bolans as part of a nature walk arranged by Sugar Ridge hotel.  ‘Crush and sniff’ soon became the mantra, as ‘Medicine Man’ Vorn encouraged the journalists to smell local herbs used to cure a variety of illnesses, and introduced them to local fruits. 
A sip of coconut water, a slice of mango and a passion fruit daiquiri later, the group were gliding their way down ziplines in the lush rainforest and challenging themselves with obstacle courses at the Antigua Rainforest Canopy tour.

To top-off the press trip, journalists were graciously wined and dined by Sugar Ridge Resort, Jolly Beach Resort and Spa, St. James’s Club, Carlisle Bay and Inn at English Harbour.  They were also seen taking in the sunset at Shirley’s Heights, unwinding on the beaches at Carlisle Bay and St. James’s Club and engaging in spa massages at Sugar Ridge.

CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, Colin C. James was at the VC Bird International Airport to bid the group farewell at the end of the trip. 

James’s expressed his pleasure at having the journalists in Antigua over the carnival season.  “Through visiting the destination, the journalists get their own experience which can then be communicated with greater authenticity and is likely to be more credible,” he said.

“The hosting of familiarisation trips for overseas press during significant national events is part of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism’s Authority strategic approach to marketing Antigua and Barbuda, and one which we continue to utilise to create awareness and attract visitors to our shores.”