Innovative SIDS4 accommodation portal ushers in new era for small property owners
As thousands of delegates prepare to journey to Antigua and Barbuda for the 4 th
International Conference on Small Island States, many of them will be treated to
the hospitality of some of the most charming and exclusive gems in the island’s
diverse collection of accommodations.
The chosen properties easily met the commanding standards established by
Antigua and Barbuda’s Ministry of Tourism and are included in the Island
Accommodations portal (Small Island Developing States 2024 (gov.ag) which was
created to meet the increasing demand for rooms from members of the
international community travelling to the island for the May 27 – 30 Conference.
The portal was created through a collaborative effort involving the resources of the
Tourism Ministry, the web developers in the ICT Department of the Ministry of
Information and Communications Technology and the official travel partner of the
Antigua and Barbuda New York Office for the SIDS4 Conference, Global Travel
Collection out of the UK.
Conference delegates have been able to make use of the platform not only for the
purposes of booking their accommodations but also to secure flights to Antigua
and Barbuda for the historic gathering. While rooms at the more established hotels
are filling up for the conference, these unique properties are now satisfying the
demand and expectations for accommodations in Antigua and Barbuda during a
busy period for the twin island nation.
“I am extremely heartened by the support from our smaller properties, who have
enthusiastically grasped an opportunity to benefit from an historic occasion for
Antigua and Barbuda but are also making sure SIDS4 is truly the success it needs
to be,” stated Antigua and Barbuda’s Minister of Tourism, Charles Fernandez.
“Right before our eyes, the landscape of our tourism offerings is being transformed
as the quality of these incredible accommodations are put on show to the rest of the
world. The Ministry of Tourism and the Government of Antigua and Barbuda are
indeed proud of them. This is an amazing legacy that this conference will establish
by showcasing the versatility of our travel accommodations,” Fernandez stated.
He also heaped praise on the Government’s ICT Division, the Antigua and
Barbuda New York Office, his team at the Ministry of Tourism and Pro Travel Inc
for the inventive and ground-breaking initiative that demanded a shared
commitment and long hours in making it all work.
“At Global Travel Collection, we believe it is our fundamental responsibility to
give back to the world we journey through,” said Angie Licea, President, Global
Travel Collection.
“Protecting the unique communities and ecosystems vital for small island nations
is one of our key priorities. The SIDS4 conference offers an opportunity to gather
global leaders and forge partnerships for sustainable development and resilience
amid global challenges. It's an honor for us to be part of this important event and
work alongside the Antigua and Barbuda Mission to the United Nations as the
official travel management company,” Licea stated.
