THE ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA HOTELS AND TOURISM ASSOCIATION AND THE TOURISM AUTHORITY CELEBRATE THE SUCCESS OF SHOWCASE ANTIGUA BARBUDA
Antigua and Barbuda Thursday June 27, 2024: The Antigua & Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association (ABHTA) and the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA) are delighted to announce the success of the 9th annual Showcase Antigua Barbuda, held from June 23 – 26, 2024. This dedicated travel trade business-to-business event aims to boost business from the destination’s primary source markets, including the US, Canada, UK, Europe, and the Caribbean.
The event commenced with a grand hosted welcome cocktail presented at the Verandah Antigua with the theme ‘Hello Summer 2024,’ featuring vibrant cultural presentations of food, dance and entertainment.
Over forty (40) travel partners from around the world engaged in pre-scheduled appointments with local suppliers in the tourism industry at Royalton Antigua. Travel partners also enjoyed visiting on-island properties with a full day of familiarization trips, followed by a relaxing sunset cocktail event hosted by the Rocks Groups, at Sheer Rocks Antigua. Visiting travel partners also experienced a full-day tour of Barbuda hosted by the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority. The tour included visits to attractions such as the Frigate Bird Sanctuary, The Pink Sand Beach, Martello Towers, and Princess Diana Beach. The event concluded with a vibrant ‘Nautical Chic’ themed party at the new adults-only property, Royalton Chic.
Colin C. James, CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, remarked, “The 9th edition of Showcase Antigua Barbuda has been a remarkable event for collaboration and cementing business opportunities for all our travel partners. This positions the destination to fully capitalize on the increase in airlift from all source markets for the upcoming winter season. As a result, barring any unforeseen circumstances, Antigua and Barbuda should see a record year in visitor arrivals.”
Craig Marshall, Chairman of the Antigua & Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association, expressed his elation at the event’s success, stating, “Having an avenue for our members to present their businesses to international travel partners is an exceptional opportunity for increasing occupancy, bookings, and overall growth for travel to our destination. We look forward to the continued support of our travel partners for our twin islands.”
The ABHTA extends its gratitude to the new strategic partner of Showcase Antigua Barbuda 2024, Courts Business Solutions (CBS). CBS is renowned for delivering exceptional B2B customer experiences by sourcing and delivering best-in-class commercial-grade furniture, appliances, and electronics. Thanks, are also extended to hospitality partner, Humble and Free Wadadli, for offering vibrant and authentic eco-tours in Antigua that highlight the island’s beauty and vibrant Rastafari culture.
Showcase Antigua Barbuda could not have been possible without sponsorship from local hospitality partners: Elite Island Resorts, Blue Waters Resort & Spa, The Inn at English Harbour, Hodges Bay Resort & Spa, and Royalton Chic.
ABOUT THE ABHTA
The ABHTA collectively represents the hospitality industry by educating, advocating and promoting to increase visitation and the economic benefits for Antigua and Barbuda. The primary focus is on the needs and best interests of the members of the Association. The membership of the Antigua & Barbuda Hotels & Tourism Association is open to all hotels, restaurants, airlines, and companies directly or indirectly involved in the tourism sector of Antigua and Barbuda. Joining the Association is a way of showing your support of the island’s tourism product and helping us to further develop our tourism industry.
ABOUT ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA
Antigua (pronounced An-tee’ga) and Barbuda (Bar-byew’da) is located in the heart of the Caribbean Sea. The twin-island paradise offers visitors two uniquely distinct experiences, ideal temperatures year-round, a rich history, vibrant culture, exhilarating excursions, award-winning resorts, mouth-watering cuisine and 365 stunning pink and white-sand beaches – one for every day of the year. The largest of the English-speaking Leeward Islands, Antigua comprises 108-square miles with rich history and spectacular topography that provides a variety of popular sightseeing opportunities. Nelson’s Dockyard, the only remaining example of a Georgian fort a listed UNESCO World Heritage site, is perhaps the most renowned landmark. Antigua’s tourism events calendar includes the Antigua and Barbuda Wellness Month, Run in Paradise, prestigious Antigua Sailing Week, Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta, Antigua and Barbuda Restaurant Week, Antigua and Barbuda Art Week and the annual Antigua Carnival; known as the Caribbean’s Greatest Summer Festival. Barbuda, Antigua’s smaller sister island, is the ultimate celebrity hideaway. The island lies 27 miles north-east of Antigua and is just a 15-minute plane ride away. Barbuda is known for its untouched 11-mile stretch of pink sand beach and as the home of the largest Frigate Bird Sanctuary in the Western Hemisphere.
Find information on Antigua & Barbuda at: www.visitantiguabarbuda.