ANTIGUA & BARBUDA TOURISM AUTHORITY

 Antigua and Barbuda joined the rest of the world today (September 27), in celebrating World Tourism Day under the theme ‘Tourism and Digital Transformation’.

In his address to the nation to mark the day, Antigua and Barbuda Minister of Tourism The Honourable Charles Fernandez announced the Ministry of Tourism’s and the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority’s partnership with young professionals on innovations to enhance the visitor experience.

“We have been partnering with several young Antigua and Barbuda entrepreneurs to promote apps that are all geared to improving our visitor’s access to local information by offering a first-class digital experience while they vacation with us.”

The Minister highlighted two apps, the TickeTing app and Pocket Antigua, which he said, “have contributed tremendously to our tourism product as well as to bridge the information gap which may exist between our islands and visitors who come from technologically advanced states.”

With the focus on utilizing digital technology to reach consumers, the Minister also announced plans to upgrade the VisitAntiguaBarbuda.com website.

The revamped website, will implement the best-in-class industry standards in design, functionality, services and user experiences. “Visitors will be compelled to visit Antigua and Barbuda, and we are confident this new website will lead to even higher bookings and visitors,” he said.

In delivering his address, the Tourism Minister also used the day to inform the nation on achievements within the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism sector. He noted that cruise arrival figures at the end of August were 520,465 this is up +17.8% on last year’s August figures. He added that air arrivals in 2018 were also up with an overall increase of +7% with some with 188,974 visitors at the end of August.

“This growth which was fueled by increased airlift out of Canada, has led to renewed confidence in our destination by our international airline partners and will see even more airlift. This means that we will end 2018 with strong growth in our nation’s tourism.”

The Minister congratulated all the industry stakeholders noting that the growth and success achieved thus far was a result of their hard work, dedication and passion, displayed on a daily basis.