“YOU’LL LOVE IT HERE!”, CARNIVAL ENTHUSIATS IN TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO INVITED TO EXPERIENCE ANTIGUA CARNIVAL THIS SUMMER

Antigua and Barbuda has taken its dynamic ‘Cricket and Culture’ 2024 roadshow to Trinidad and Tobago, following successful stops in the United Kingdom and Canada. The exciting three-day roadshow earlier this month provided the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority with a platform to highlight cricketing events while showcasing the exciting Antigua Carnival which is scheduled to take place from July 25 – August 6, 2024.

"We have launched our 'Be Here' Carnival campaign across Piarco International Airport,? in-flight magazines, major television programs, radio stations and online platforms in Trinidad and Tobago," said? Director of Tourism for the Caribbean and Latin America at the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA) Charmaine Spencer, “and so we were excited to go into Trinidad and Tobago to meet with our trade partners, and engage with the public, sharing information on what’s new in Antigua and Barbuda, and personally encouraging them to visit the destination” .

"The 'Be Here' carnival video, set to the music of soca artist Ricardo Drue’s 'Ah Love It Here,' showcases our vibrant celebrations and beautiful destination. It displays why people need to be here in the summer for Antigua’s carnival, which features thirteen non-stop days of feting, stunning costumes, pulsating music, and warm, friendly people," said Spencer.

The Tourism Authority Director expressed enthusiasm about the campaign and the upcoming Carnival, noting that Antigua and Barbuda has recently seen remarkable growth in visitor arrivals from the Trinidad and Tobago market and is attributing this success to the collaborative efforts of key partners within the industry.

In addition to the Be campaign roll-out, the Tourism Authority also hosted a special ‘Pineapple Awards Rewards & Recognition Cocktail Reception’, which was held to honour those dedicated travel advisors that completed the Antigua and Barbuda Specialist Travel Agent Course and achieved certification. Thirty leading travel advisors were celebrated for their hard work and commitment, receiving certificates and prizes.

The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism delegation also included the Antigua and Barbuda Hotels & Tourism Association, and the Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission. A series of media interviews were conducted with partners across various radio and television stations to promote the destination. The discussions highlighted the country’s rich cultural heritage, events such as cricket and carnival, the romance product, pristine beaches, first-class resorts, small boutique properties as well as Barbuda.

In addition to radio and television interviews, the team hosted destination presentations with top-producing tour operators and travel agencies, including Navarro’s Travel and Krystal Tours. These discussions were led by ABTA Tourism Director Charmaine Spencer, Anthea Watkins, Head of Operations at the Antigua and Barbuda Hotels & Tourism Association (ABHTA), and Anreka Geness, Barbuda Tourism Marketing Officer.

Patrice Simon, the Executive Director of the ABHTA, expressed her enthusiasm about partnering on the roadshow, stating, "Representation for Antigua and Barbuda in the regional market is crucial. We are thrilled to participate and support the Tourism Authority and the Ministry of Creative Industries in showcases like these. Traveling between our islands has always been a part of our way of life, and we look forward to more opportunities to highlight our member hotels and partners, showcasing the diverse accommodation offerings in Antigua and Barbuda."

The public was also invited to East Gates Mall in Trincity for ABTA’s promotions which included a chance to win a grand prize trip for two, courtesy of Caribbean Airlines. The prize package featured hotel accommodation at the Villas at Sunset Lane and an island tour. Visitors to East Gates Mall were inspired to visit Antigua and Barbuda as they explored the destination's offerings, sampled local treats, engaged with cultural performers, and enjoyed the sounds of Antigua and Barbuda soca music.

The event saw a great turnout, with attendees gathering information and participating in various promotions. Highlights included spinning the wheel to win prizes and snapping their best Instagram photos for a chance at the grand prize trip for two to Antigua and Barbuda. The lucky winner of the grand prize trip has been announced on the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Live Instagram page.

For more information on Antigua carnival go to: www.visitantiguabarbuda.com/carnival