The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority is taking its Cricket and Culture
roadshow to Caribbean destinations with stops already completed in Trinidad and
Tobago.
Taking the roadshow to Caribbean destinations follows successful stops in the
United Kingdom and Canada. The ABTA said the exciting three-day roadshow
earlier this month provided the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority with a
platform to highlight cricketing events while showcasing the exciting Antigua
Carnival which is scheduled to take place from July 25 – August 6, 2024.
We have launched our ‘Be Here’ Carnival campaign across Piarco International
Airport, in-flight magazines, major television programs, radio stations and online
platforms in Trinidad and Tobago, said Director of Tourism for the Caribbean
and Latin America at the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA)
Charmaine Spencer, “and so we were excited to go into Trinidad and Tobago to
meet with our trade partners, and engage with the public, sharing information on
what’s new in Antigua and Barbuda, and personally encouraging them to visit the
destination” .
The ‘Be Here’ carnival video, set to the music of soca artist Ricardo Drue’s ‘Ah
Love It Here,’ showcases our vibrant celebrations and beautiful destination. It
displays why people need to be here in the summer for Antigua’s carnival, which
features thirteen non-stop days of feting, stunning costumes, pulsating music, and
warm, friendly people, said Spencer.
The Tourism Authority Director expressed enthusiasm about the campaign and the
upcoming Carnival, noting that Antigua and Barbuda has recently seen remarkable
growth in visitor arrivals from the Trinidad and Tobago market and is attributing
this success to the collaborative efforts of key partners within the industry.
In addition to the Be campaign roll-out, the Tourism Authority also hosted a
special ‘Pineapple Awards Rewards & Recognition Cocktail Reception’, which
was held to honour those dedicated travel advisors that completed the Antigua and
Barbuda Specialist Travel Agent Course and achieved certification. Thirty leading
travel advisors were celebrated for their hard work and commitment, receiving
certificates and prizes.
The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism delegation also included the Antigua and
Barbuda Hotels & Tourism Association, and the Antigua and Barbuda Festivals
Commission. A series of media interviews were conducted with partners across
various radio and television stations to promote the destination. The discussions
highlighted the country’s rich cultural heritage, events such as cricket and carnival,
the romance product, pristine beaches, first-class resorts, small boutique properties
as well as Barbuda.
In addition to radio and television interviews, the team hosted destination
presentations with top-producing tour operators and travel agencies, including
Navarro’s Travel and Krystal Tours. These discussions were led by ABTA
Tourism Director Charmaine Spencer, Anthea Watkins, Head of Operations at the
Antigua and Barbuda Hotels & Tourism Association (ABHTA), and Anreka
Geness, Barbuda Tourism Marketing Officer.
Patrice Simon, the Executive Director of the ABHTA, expressed her enthusiasm
about partnering on the roadshow, stating, Representation for Antigua and
Barbuda in the regional market is crucial. We are thrilled to participate and support
the Tourism Authority and the Ministry of Creative Industries in showcases like
these. Traveling between our islands has always been a part of our way of life, and
we look forward to more opportunities to highlight our member hotels and
partners, showcasing the diverse accommodation offerings in Antigua and
Barbuda.
The public was also invited to East Gates Mall in Trincity for ABTA’s promotions
which included a chance to win a grand prize trip for two, courtesy of Caribbean
Airlines. The prize package featured hotel accommodation at the Villas at Sunset
Lane and an island tour. Visitors to East Gates Mall were inspired to visit Antigua
and Barbuda as they explored the destination’s offerings, sampled local treats,
engaged with cultural performers, and enjoyed the sounds of Antigua and Barbuda
soca music.
The event saw a great turnout, with attendees gathering information and
participating in various promotions. Highlights included spinning the wheel to win
prizes and snapping their best Instagram photos for a chance at the grand prize trip
for two to Antigua and Barbuda. The lucky winner of the grand prize trip has been
announced on the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Live Instagram page.
