This programme is designed to entice cruise ship passengers to return to the islands for a land-based vacation in one of the member properties.

The Freestay Caribbean, “Come back and stay in the Caribbean’ programme capitalizes on the novelty of doubloons (or special coins). Tropical Shipping has minted over one million coins since the programme began for the participating countries or islands, each etched with a famous landmark or logo of the island or country it represents, the Freestay Caribbean website address, and the US Toll Free number for the Ministry or Board of Tourism.

These coins are distributed to cruise ship passengers by tour operators, taxi drivers and employees of the Tourism Agencies. Cruise Passengers receiving coins, are encouraged to log on to the website to find significant offers from member properties (hotels, yachts, restaurants, shops, tour operators and other vendors), accessible only through the Freestay website.

These hotels and their special offers are showcased on the website www.FreestayCaribbean.com. Already five Antiguan and Barbudan properties have registered to be a part of the Freestay venture.

They include The Admirals Inn, Galley Bay, Grand Pineapple Beach Resort, St James’s Club, and Chez Pascal.

Based on website findings in its earliest stages, thus far, these properties have been receiving quite a lot of visitor traffic and this shows piqued interest in Antigua and Barbuda as a return destination.

In March this year the Admirals Inn property received 33 hits via the Freestay website link with 12 persons making reservations thereafter.

“I am urging more hotels, and other tourism partners such as restaurateurs and entertainment providers to prepare special offers and become members of the Freestay Caribbean promotion,” urged Lorraine Headley Director General of Tourism for Antigua and Barbuda.

The Hotel or Tourist- related business must provide meaningful offers consistent with the Freestay Caribbean theme. For example, a hotel may choose to offer a free nights stay with the purchase of five nights; a restaurant may offer a free bottle of wine with dinner etc.

The Director General continued, “This could only seek to boost our numbers and encourage cruise passengers to return to our country for stay over vacations, with additional benefits to the economy.”

Other Caribbean countries already taking part in the Freestay Caribbean program include Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Jamaica, St. Kitts, St. Lucia, St. Maarten, and St. Thomas.

An official launch is being planned in Antigua and Barbuda for the end of this month.