U.S. TOURISM TEAM SETS SIGHTS ON NEW AND AMBITIOUS TARGETS AFTER INVIGORATING WEEKEND RETREAT

NEW YORK, 10th September, 2024…As Antigua and Barbuda anticipate another period of significant growth for its bourgeoning tourism industry, the members of its US sales, marketing and media team left a weekend retreat fully energized in exceeding new ambitious targets in selling and promoting the twin island destination.

The annual team building exercise was highly effective in reinvigorating the sales and marketing team with fresh ideas and a renewed shared commitment to driving the steady and impressive surge in arrivals from the US market.

Antigua and Barbuda’s US Director of Tourism, Mr. Dean Fenton, said the credit goes to the members of a diverse team who have been tireless and unwavering in their devotion to making sure that the destination stays front and center in the minds of travelers.

“We have the crème de la crème at our disposal to sell, promote and market Antigua and Barbuda and they continue to exceed expectations every time. It shows up in the numbers. So, our retreat was a demonstration of gratitude for their efforts, build camaraderie and to chart a course for even more ambitious targets, which I know we will achieve,” Fenton stated.

The travel agent industry is a multi-billion-dollar sector and Antigua and Barbuda’s small team of Business Development Managers are assigned to various markets across the U.S. to maintain awareness about the offerings of the destination and ensure agents keep selling Antigua and Barbuda to their clients.

Their efforts in building relationships through personalized outreach and reward initiatives, including Familiarization Trips, helps to position Antigua and Barbuda as a premier vacation option and ultimately expand the mainstay of the country’s economy.

Joining the retreat was the Human Resources Manager of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority Laurie Louard, who conveyed the gratitude of the Board and the Management of the ABTA to the team for their outstanding work and unwavering dedication. In sharing encouraging words during a morning strategy session, Louard reminded the team of the critical role they are playing not just for the industry but all of Antigua and Barbuda.

“Today, there is a mother and father who work in the tourism industry that is depending on your steadfast commitment to fill flights and bring guests to our hotels so they can be assured of a livelihood to feed and clothe their children and ensure they get the highest standard of education. Don’t ever think it’s just about the tourism industry. For a small country, it is way more and we applaud you for your noble and unwavering efforts,” Louard stated.

At an appreciation dinner, Mr. Fenton handed out award plaques in recognition of the outstanding service of team members and as a show of gratitude and heartfelt acknowledgement for their commitment to the growth of Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism industry.

Energized by the weekend experiences, the team is now laser-focused on building upon Antigua and Barbuda's recent successes to propel the destination towards even greater heights. As the winter season approaches, the team will fan out across the various markets in the US for a sustained period of roadshows to expose travel agents to engage with travel advisors and provide them with the necessary information and tools to sell Antigua and Barbuda.