The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Road Show Contingent View photo »

The Regional Marketing Road Show coordinated by the Ministry of Tourism developed an awareness of Antigua and Barbuda's tourism product this weekend in Guadeloupe.

The Guadeloupe road show proved to be the biggest yet, as the team comprised over 15 members representing the public and private sectors.

Last Friday evening at the Salako Hotel on the outskirts of Point-a-Pitre, a presentation was made to approximately 40 bilingual travel agents who fully appreciated and participated in the presentation and performances.

Neil Forrester, General Manager of the AHTA provided agents with an overview of the properties in Antigua and Barbuda via a comprehensive power-point presentation, as well as presenting a captivating video on this year's Sailing Week Regatta. Presentations were also made by Lorraine Headley, Director General of Tourism who gave an overview of Antigua and Barbuda and its unique offerings, Andrea Jeremiah presented on behalf of the Jolly Beach Resort, and Valerie Samuel representing the Very Intimate Places (VIP's) as well as the Serendipity Hotel also gave an overview of the members of the VIPs.

Other contributions were made by Brian Meade who spoke on behalf of Dian Bay Resort formerly known as Mango Bay Resort, Shermaine Mascott of Beachcomber Beach Resort, Delores Jardin of The Anchorage Inn, Arlene Marsh of Hawksbill Beach Resort and a representative from Turtle Bay.

All Hotel Owner's present donated prizes for stays at their properties as incentives to the travel agents who will be enhancing their marketing of Antigua and Barbuda as a regional vacation destination.

LIAT 1974 Ltd played a major part in the success of the Guadeloupe Road show as official carrier of the Antiguan contingent in addition to providing complimentary round trip tickets to each of the six prize winners to travel to Antigua.

The Carnival presentation once again formed part of the event and was very well received by the agents who joined in the revelry and mas displayed by the contingent members who donned costumes and got into the festive spirit much to the delight of the audience. This followed a synopsis video of the BET 30 minute programme and an overview by carnival coordinator Vaughn Walter assisted by Queen of Carnival 2005 First Runner-up winner Kimmorna Otto.

The excitement then moved to the Desperland Mall, the largest shopping center in Guadeloupe on Saturday. Brochures and other Antigua Barbuda souvenirs and paraphernalia translated into French were distributed to the General Public who showed significant interest in Antigua and Barbuda, especially for Carnival 2006.

A huge media blitz took place as well at Desperland, as Ministry Officials inclusive of Permanent Secretary Enis Nathaniel made use of the opportunity for TV and radio interviews with members of the French Media.

The efforts of the Road show team was highlighted on the French News Channel, with news features airing on Saturday and the following Sunday in both Guadeloupe and Martinique.

Manager of Marketing & Promotions for the Region Ms. Joyce Henry indicated that over the first quarter of 2006, Antigua & Barbuda witnessed an increase in regional tourist arrivals in particular from the French markets which have shown an increase of 22%.

"We welcome the opportunity to build on this tremendous achievement thus the reason for the Guadeloupe road show," states Mrs. Henry.

She continues, "We express sincere thanks to LIAT 1974 Ltd that have played a pivotal role in developing the French markets. LIAT has increased its seating capacity from over 200 plus to 500 plus weekly, offering two non-stop services to Guadeloupe. This means that there is a greater potential to grow our French markets looking beyond Guadeloupe to France."

The Ministry's regional promotional road show program continues in St. Kitts & Nevis and on to St. Lucia.

For further information contact:
Samoya Kirby
Communications Officer
Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation

Contact us:

773-1788 (cell) 462-0480 (office) 460-6093 (fax)

Email:samoya.kirby@antigua.gov.ag