GO...UP & AWAY - JAXFAX Travel Marketing Magazine

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
Antigua & Barbuda Making Waves
What was the impact of 2009 and what is
the outlook for 2010?
From the arrival standpoint, Antigua &
Barbuda were able to maintain the level of
stay over visitors from the United States,
as well as cruise visitors in 2009. However,
occupancy levels were down, and by
extension the yield was down due to
hotels discounting rates to remain competitive.
The outlook for 2010 is extremely positive.
We expect a slow and uneven recovery,
however by year end we anticipate
there will be considerably more activity.
We have also been able to negotiate additional
airlift with increased service from
Continental out of Newark, and with Delta
out of New York and Atlanta. Consumers
continue to see “taking a vacation” as a
priority and although they may make
fewer trips, they are still inclined to travel
but tend to demand higher value.
What makes Antigua and Barbuda unique as a
Caribbean island destination?
This fraternal twin island destination
offers two totally different experiences
to create the ultimate dream
vacation. Antigua has a range of properties,
from the ultra exclusive such as
Jumby Bay and Carlisle Bay to intimate
escapes such as Hermitage Bay, The Inn
at English Harbor or the newly opened
Sugar Ridge Resort. There are options to
suit every taste and budget. Barbuda, on
the other hand, offers a great alternative
for the eco-traveler with award winning
beaches and a more secluded experience
at the Lighthouse Bay Resort. Your clients
will enjoy the spectacular cuisine that can
be found in the cornucopia of restaurants
and eateries throughout the destination,
from mouth watering authentic local fare
and Creole to continental culinary delights,
fine wines and spirits. Barbuda is the
seafood capital of the Caribbean, known
for its spiny lobster. The “Black Pineapple”
which is indigenous to Antigua is surprisingly
sweet. Cavalier Rum and Susie’s
Hot Sauce are locally made products, both
winning international awards.
by Randi White
Derede Samuel Whitlock, US Director of Tourism for Antigua & Babuda,
recently sat down with JF to discuss several exciting new
upgrades to the islands' resorts and air service, and explain why
they're the perfect spot to tie up or tie the knot in 2010.
Sailors and yachtees can experience
“Sailing Week” on Antigua, which is the
fifth largest regatta in the world. The general
shape and layout of the island, with
many protected coves, makes it a haven
for yachts to anchor. Yachting has given
the island an upscale appeal and provides
a backdrop for sailing as a great spectator
sport. Tourists can feel a true part of the
nautical experience. Many yachts on display
are amazing floating palaces and add
to the cachet that makes Antigua the ultimate
“Sailcation”.
What are the key selling points for a travel
agent selling Antigua to their clients?
Getting to Antigua & Barbuda is
easy and convenient. With so many hotel
and resort options offering the all inclusive
to the extra inclusive, and each featuring
distinctive qualities, you can easily find
one to suit all ages, preferences or interests.
Curtain Bluff Resort boasts one of
the largest wine cellars in the Caribbean.
The newly reopened Jumby Bay has consistently
been voted one of the top
Caribbean resorts. Sandals Antigua has
easily been voted one of the most romantic
experiences year after year, ideal for
honeymooners. Blue Waters, Galley Bay
and St. James have recently undergone
major renovations and upgrades. Jolly
Beach and Verandah are perfect for families,
offering family friendly rates, packages
and amenities. Antigua & Barbuda is
safe, and the warmth and friendliness of
the people will make your holiday even
more special. There is so much to do on
these islands, whether clients want a
relaxing vacation or one filled with activities.
There is much to choose from including
every type of water sport such as jet
skiing, parasailing, kite surfing, land based
activities, spectacular golf, spas, horseback
riding, tennis, zipline, and submarine
tours where you can experience the
underworld in its natural habitat, marveling
at turtles, stingrays and sharks. There are
well over 20 offshore islands to visit,
snorkel and scuba dive. Catamaran cruises
stop at these islands where visitors
can indulge in a unique “Robinson Crusoe”
experience.
Antigua & Barbuda is the easiest island
in the Caribbean to exchange nuptials and
offers your clients a “hassle free, expedited”
wedding experience. There is no residency
requirement, so same day
weddings are easily arranged. This allows
cruise passengers the ability to get married
on their stop over to Antigua as well.
Antigua and Barbuda offer different
unique settings – at sea, on the beach or
offshore on one of the many deserted
islands. Most of the resorts have wedding
planners who will work with you to create
the perfect day.
Antigua is the first country to rename a
national landmark in honor of the 48th
President, Mount Obama National Park.
This attraction will be developed into an
Eco park and a symbol of triumph, hope
and dignity for all people.
What is the impression you would like visitors
to take home?
I would like visitors to leave thinking,
what a discovery! Particularly for those
who are well traveled throughout the
Caribbean. We can take them on a journey
back to colonial times to experience
Nelson’s Dockyard – an old British Naval
Fort. Antigua and Barbuda is one of
those destinations that offers such
diverse experiences; driving through the
rainforest, escaping and enjoying one of
our 365 white sandy beaches, looking at
the outline of the volcano in neighboring
Montserrat, or experiencing it close-up
through a helicopter tour. Essentially, you
can be easily transported from one era to
another. We offer the most exhilarating
activities on land and at sea, relaxed
entertainment and night-life, and world
class culinary dining from Continental to
Creole to local fare with the freshest
seafood in the Caribbean. Visitors will
receive the warmest Antiguan welcome
and leave already planning their return.
14 FEBRUARY 2010 WWW.JAXFAX.COM
ANTIGUA & BARBUDA NTO