Reprinted from Caribbean Net News
caribbeannetnews.com

Antigua-Barbuda launches Homestay Programme for Cricket World Cup
09-08-2006

ST JOHN'S, Antigua: With projections of the second largest number of visitors to a venue during the Cricket World Cup, after Barbados which is hosting Super8 matches and the Final, Antigua and Barbuda is seeking to provide a range of accommodation options for the anticipated thousands of visitors during the period March 27 to April 8, 2007.

The Homestay Programme is a new initiative established by Grand Events 2007, a company established by a consortium of experienced hospitality and business entrepreneurs. Working closely with the Ministry in the coordination and implementation of the programme, Grand Events 2007 is seeking to provide visitors with a real taste of Antigua and Barbuda by providing hospitality in the homes of residents of Antigua and Barbuda.

"Although not a totally new concept to Antigua and Barbuda, as the Ministry of Tourism has coordinated the provision of accommodation in the homes of locals during major Test Matches in previous years, this is a more comprehensive and structured programme that will be the platform for a new long-term accommodation offering that seeks to provide residents direct benefits from the tourism industry," outlined Lorraine Headley, Director General of Tourism.

The Ministry of Tourism in Antigua and Barbuda has been working closely with the Ministry of Tourism in Jamaica which has offered a bed and breakfast programme for a number of years and is currently enhancing its programme in preparation for Cricket World Cup.

Director General of Tourism for Jamaica, Carolle Guntley, along with Dana Cuffe, Liaison Officer for Cricket World Cup and Pat Patterson, Bed and Breakfast Coordinator recently conducted a training programme for the first phase of Homestay assessors to apprise them of the facilities and customer service standards expected by visitors.

Twenty assessors from varied backgrounds including hotel housekeepers, teachers, accountants, civil servants and retired residents, underwent initial training in a one-day intensive session at the Grand Royal Antiguan last month. A further twenty persons are currently being recruited by Grand Events 2007.

Guntley expressed her support of the programme and outlined the benefits experienced in Jamaica over the years.

The Homestay product is good for tourism, providing visitors with the real experience of local life through a closer interaction with the people of the country.

Guntley also indicated that despite the usual stereotypes, many potential visitors interested in Homestay accommodation are not necessarily budget conscious.

They are looking for a special learning and cultural experience, to taste and see the local foods being prepared, feel the local customs and traditions, and to get into the heart of the community.

This means that the Homestay hosts become a major marketing and sales force for Antigua and Barbuda's tourism, they become tourism ambassadors that can have a lasting effect on the positive experience of visitors and their likelihood to recommend Antigua and Barbuda as a vacation destination to their family, friends and work colleagues.

A second phase of training for all assessors being conducted by the Jamaica team will take place by early October with the training of hosts commencing later that month.