Monday, July 10, 2006

ST JOHN’S, Antigua: Antigua and Barbuda is continuing to see good growth in the tourism industry as indicated by visitor arrival figures to date for the year 2006.

An 8.0% increase has been recorded for the month of May compared to that of the previous year.

According to the Director General of Tourism, Lorraine Headley, this growth can be attributed to the major thrusts being undertaken by the Ministry of Tourism in the US, German and Caribbean markets.

“We are satisfied with the growth being experienced from the US, with an increase of 5.8% for the period January to May 2006. The efforts to increase visitor arrivals from the Atlanta and surrounding areas are continuing and we anticipate continued results from recent activities such as the Spring Edition of the ‘Re-discover Antigua and Barbuda’ Fam Trip for travel agents undertaken in May, the Romance month in June and ongoing trade seminars with our major partners such as Sandals throughout the US.”

Miss Headley continued “The Fall Edition of the ‘Re-discover Antigua and Barbuda’ has already registered over 50 travel agents from the Atlanta area alone and we are working closely with Delta Airlines in providing the necessary airlift for these sales agents.”

Despite the Football World Cup taking place in Germany which has displaced plans for international travel in the period leading up to the World Cup, Antigua and Barbuda has seen growth of 10.6% over the period January to May 2006 compared to 2005, with an increase of 60% experienced in May 2006.

According to the Director of Tourism for Germany, Dr Werner Giersch, Condor officials have expressed their satisfaction with the flight to Antigua and Polamar, being one of the best long haul chains in summer 2006. “There is great potential for Antigua to increase its share of seats on this flight and relationships are being developed with Tour Operators to increase sales of Antigua and Barbuda as a vacation destination after an interruption of over four years. A major sales promotion is now in effect following the World Cup in order to attract summer visitors”.

Growth from France and the French West Indies have shown significant increase with a 13.6% growth from mainland France and 32.6% from Guadeloupe and Martinique over the period January to May 2006. “The growth in daily airlift between Antigua and Guadeloupe and the promotional efforts of the Ministry of Tourism has resulted in a 20% increase in visitors from the French West Indies in May 2005 alone”, reported Ms. Headley. A delegation from the Ministry of Tourism led by Minister Lovell is due to meet with top officials in Guadeloupe later this month to develop stronger relationships and to negotiate revised administrative arrangements to facilitate easier travel between the islands.

“Overall we are pleased with the results for May given our expectations for growth with a wide range of events taking place during May including Sailing Week, DJ festivals, and Labour Day activities which attracted many visitors from the Caribbean. With an increase of 17.6% of visitors from Trinidad and Tobago, and 16.4% from Barbados for the year to date, the Ministry of Tourism is continuing its marketing efforts in the Caribbean with a team from the Ministry of Tourism and the Hotel Association returning last weekend from a promotion in St. Maarten/ St. Martin.”

The promotions throughout the Caribbean will continue in August to promote Antigua and Barbuda as a venue for Cricket World Cup next year seeking to tap the traditional cricketing patrons from Bermuda, USVI and other neighbouring islands in tandem with the international visitors for cricket.

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