GOVERNMENT OF ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA
Department of Tourism
610 Fifth Avenue - - Suite 311
New York, N.Y. 10020
Tel: 212 541 4117 - - Fax: 212 541 4789

US TRAVEL AGENTS INVITED TO “EXPLORE ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA” DURING SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER

New York, NY, July 07, 2003 – The Antigua and Barbuda Department of Tourism/New York, the Antigua Hotels and Tourist Association, and American Airlines, have joined together in an effort to bring as many Travel Agents as possible from the US to the beach-ringed Caribbean island.

To this end, the months of September and October have been dubbed “Travel Agents Explore Antigua and Barbuda Months.”

The program will give Travel Agents from all cities in the United States served by American Airlines, an opportunity to apply for special discounted round-trip fares of $149.00. In addition, American is offering a companion fare of $249.00.

The participating hotels, including AHTA members and non-members, have also offered special Travel Agent Room Rates. 

“It is good to see so many hotels participating in this promotional event,” said the Director of Tourism/USA, Mr. David Fernandez, adding that “it is especially good to see, for the first time, the smaller hotels such as the eleven members of Very Intimate Places Antigua (VIP)participating.” He continued to say that this was “a big step in the right direction to include the local entrepreneurs.” 

Mr. Andrew Michelin, Chairman of the Antigua Hotels and Tourist Association, expressed his delight at participating in this program. He said, “Although there are other new means of promoting a destination, including the Internet, 80% of a destination’s business is produced by Travel Agents. Therefore, bringing them to Antigua to experience the product first-hand will indeed encourage them to sell our destination.”

The Department’s New York Office will be promoting this program via e-faxes, on the official website for Antigua and Barbuda, as well as at all Travel/Trade Shows it participates in, in the coming months.

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