PRESS RELEASE
03 NOVEMBER 2014
ANTIGUA’S NEW MINISTER OF TOURISM VISITS WTM FOR THE FIRST TIME, ANTIGUA’S
NUMBER EUROPEAN ONE MARKET, MEET HIM ON STAND CA260
Honourable Asot Michael, the newly appointed Minister of Tourism, Economic
Development & Energy, for the Government of Antigua and Barbuda, attends WTM for
the first time after a whistle stop visit in September. The Tourism Authority is once again
accompanied by eight island partner exhibitors. Sharing the stand this year are: Antigua
Yacht Club Marina and Resort; Bluewaters Hotel; Carib World Travel; Cocos Hotel &
Keyonna Beach; Elite Island Resort; Hermitage Bay; Jolly Beach Resort and Spa; National
Tours and Services and Sugar Ridge.
A large part of Hon. Asot Michael’s conversation with both tour operators and airlines, will
focus on upcoming infrastructure developments. As tourism is Antigua’s “main engine of
growth,” upcoming developments will be the driver for a sustainable tourism plan to
maintain and grow the number of visitor arrivals. Visitor figures this year at the end of the
third quarter are up 3.6% on 2013 reaching 188,127 (total for 2013 was 245,000). UK visitors
were up 3.8% at 51,531, with Europe up 3.8% overall and the USA 9%.
In order to facilitate increased arrivals to experience the luxurious new developments
and the host of activities a brand new airport terminal will be open by March 2015. It will
be the largest in the Eastern Caribbean, equipped with jet bridges, multiple VIP lounges
and high-end duty free shops. The new terminal will double the current capacity of visitors
that pass through the V.C. Bird International Airport greatly improving visitor experience.
As part of his term in office Hon. Asot Michael is looking to strengthen relationships with
airline providers, tour operators, the travel trade and members of the media; hence his
attendance at WTM. It is with his hopes to do so that tourism will increase employment for
their nationals, boost foreign exchange, provide revenue for the government and raise
the national income level. This will ensure Antigua and Barbuda sees a steady growth
and development for the nation, continuing to capture and express the beauty of the
islands, for both tourists and natives alike.
This year Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority are welcoming the Minister of Sport Hon.
Chet Greene, keen to promote the One Day International (ODI) cricket and talk about
Antigua and Barbuda’s future development plans for Sports. The England cricket team
will be heading off to the Caribbean to face the West Indies and are to play at Antigua’s
iconic Sir Vivian Richards stadium on 13 – 17 April 2015. These three One Day International
(ODI) matches will see the England team battle it out in arguably one of the Caribbean’s
most revered cricketing destinations.
-ENDFor media requests and individual interviews, please contact
First Public Relations
Alexander Gray / Felicity Beckett
T: 020 8877 4509 / 4504
E: alexander@firstpr.co.uk / felicity@firstpr.co.uk
Notes to Editors:
High resolution images of the destination and Hon. Asot Michael are available on request.
For more information on Antigua and Barbuda, visit: www.visitantiguabarbuda.com or call the
Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority on 0203 668 3800.
Paradise Islands in the Caribbean Sea
Located in the heart of the Caribbean Sea, Antigua and its sister island Barbuda are known for
their numerous coves, bays and clear turquoise-coloured waters. Served by British Airways and
Virgin Atlantic from London Gatwick Airport, the eight and a half hour flight will drop you into a
tropical paradise to enjoy one of Antigua’s 365 white sand beaches. Steeped in culture and
history with breathtaking panoramic views it is the perfect destination for family holidays,
honeymoons, photo/fashion shoots and more.
Antigua and Barbuda Calendar of Events 2015
JANUARY
January 17: Antigua Yacht Club – Round the Island Race, www.antiguayachtclub.com
FEBRUARY
February 20 –27: Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC) Caribbean 600 Race,
www.caribbean600.rorc.org
MARCH
March 28: Annual Flower and Garden Show (Antigua and Barbuda Horticultural Society)
www.antiguahorticulture.com
APRIL
April 4: Barbuda Community Festival (NEW)
April 6: Antigua and Barbuda International Kite Festival, www.visitantiguabarbuda.com
April 13 – 17: England versus West Indies ODIs, www.visitantiguabarbuda.com
April 15 – 20: Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta, www.antiguaclassics.com
April 24: Yachting World Round Antigua Race, www.sailingweek.com
April 25 – May 1: 48th Antigua Sailing Week, www.sailingweek.com
MAY
May 22-24: Antigua and Barbuda Sport Fishing Tournament,
www.antiguabarbudasportfishing.com
May 24: Antigua & Barbuda Half Marathon ‘Run in Paradise’, www.visitantiguabarbuda.com
(NEW)
JUNE
June 25: National Tourism Awards, www.antiguahotels.org (TRADE EVENT)
JULY
July 26 – August 5: 58th Antigua Carnival, The Caribbean’s Greatest Summer Festival
www.antiguacarnival.com
AUGUST
August 15 – August 16: Antigua and Barbuda Mango Fest www.visitantiguabarbuda.com
SEPTEMBER
September 25 - 26: Francis Nunes Jr. Memorial Fishing Tournament & Seafood Festival,
www.antiguabarbudasportfishing.com
OCTOBER
October 31: National Dress Day/Heritage Day
NOVEMBER
November 22: Winestock, Antigua’s Festival of Wine at Nonsuch Bay Resort,
www.nonsuchbayresort.com
DECEMBER
December 9: V.C. Bird Snr. Day (National Holiday) (New)