AHTA News

Antigua & Barbuda has once again emerged as one of the top tourist destinations in the Caribbean region. This after participating in the Saint Martin regional tradeshow SMART.
SMART is sponsored by the Sint Maarten Hospitality and Trade Association and the Association des Hoteliers de Saint Martin.

The event which ran from the 12th to the 14th May, provided two days of pre-scheduled appointment sessions where wholesalers and tour operators could meet and conduct business with suppliers in the tourism industry.

SMART also featured suppliers from the islands of the North Eastern Caribbean Tourism Alliance (NECTA). These included Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Dominica, Nevis, Saba, St Eustatius, Saint Barthélemy, St Kitts and St Maarten/Saint Martin.

Representing Antigua were Neil Forrester, manager of the Antigua Hotels & Tourist Association, Anthea Watkins, advertising and marketing manager of LIAT and Annette Michael, public relations officer within the Ministry of Tourism.

Michael said Antigua's representation at the tradeshow was a good mix, as three of the vital players within tourism were able to promote the various aspects of the tourism product with a special feature on accommodation and transportation.

"It is important that Antigua & Barbuda continues to be visible at regional tradeshows if we are to remain top contenders for market-share in the Caribbean, bearing in mind that after the UK and the US, the Caribbean region is our next biggest market" Michael noted.

Tourism Minister Harold Lovell is strongly advocating the resurgence of Antigua & Barbuda as a foremost regional tourist destination. He has pledged the government's support in ensuring that the country is continuously featured at such regional tradeshows so that the emerging slogan "Antigua & Barbuda... Best Brand in Caribbean Tourism" can be manifested as truth at every forum where the country is placed against its regional counterparts.

"I am depending on the private sector organisation such as the AHTA, small hoteliers and other event sub committees such as Sailing Week Committee and event festival committees to play their role and get involved in the regional marketing of Antigua & Barbuda" Lovell said.