FEATURE ANTIGUA
tend to feature its beautiful coastline. Encircled by coral reefs and offering sunbathing, watersports and sailing, Antigua and Barbuda are magnets for honeymooners and families alike. Sailing has had a place on Antigua ever
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since Horatio Nelson made English Harbour the base for his fleet. The island hosts the Caribbean's largest regatta, Antigua Sailing Week, each April, and it ranks amongst the top sailing events in the world. The Caribbean obsession with cricket is also strong here. A wealth of accommodation options
ensure families are well catered for and wedding packages also abound. Jumby Bay has the Camp Jumby
programme for three-12 year olds and also offers guests a personal nanny service (
www.jumbybayresort.com). St. James Club Resort is holding storytelling weeks to entertain children in May and November, hosted in partnership with Virgin Holidays, Elite Island Resorts and Puffin, the children’s publishing company (www.
stjamesclubantigua.com). Rex Resorts is holding its annual Caribbean food festival this month and will repeat the experience in 2012. BBC2’s Something for the Weekend chef, Simon Rimmer guides guests through food demonstrations and tasting (www.
rexresorts.com). The Summer Gold card offers
holidaymakers savings and value-added deals at over 30 companies on Antigua. The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority has a new agent incentive called the ‘A’ List Award, whereby agents are incentivised to accumulate £20,000 worth of bookings by 30 October 2011 (
www.visitantiguabarbuda.com)
Tourism Talk
HILARY MODESTE director of tourism – UK & Europe, Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority
“We are pleased that UK arrivals to
JOANNE ELLIS product executive Caribtours “Blue Waters Hotel is
doing incredibly well for us, it’s a real
ntigua famously claims 365 beaches – one for every day of the year – so most holidays
Antigua are regaining momentum for 2011. The first two months of the year have recorded an increase of over 20% compared to the same period last year. We are confident 2011 will be a rebound year. “The tourist office is pleased that the
UK Government has decided not to increase the APD for 2011. We will continue the efforts with our other industry partners to lobby against the current structure which puts the Caribbean in one of the highest tax bands. “We are mindful that due to the
recession, holidaymakers seek value for money. To highlight the good-value offering available in Antigua and Barbuda, the Summer Gold discount card initiative will be reintroduced. Travel Agents can win one of five spots on a 2012 FAM by requesting Summer Gold cards for clients."
From The Front Line PAULA WHITEHEAD,
European managing director, Elite Island Resorts
“We’re attracting families to Antigua this year at both St James’s Club and The Verandah Resort and Spa. The new Beach Club family suites at St James’s Club have two adjoining rooms and sleep six. Agents should note our ‘nanny or granny goes free’ offer.”
KATIE PARSONS product manager Thomson Tailormade “Antigua has been our
best selling Caribbean island this year. All Inclusive family hotels have been selling particularly well, for example Jolly Beach which is great value with amazing offers throughout the year. It has the most amazing mile long white sand beach and a great choice of facilities.”
favourite with clients and suited to all ages, holiday types and budgets. The Cove Suites deliver an exclusive selection for discerning clients and Rock Cottage is perfect for small groups. It is also a beautiful location for weddings and offers superb value."
MAUREEN MURPHY Co-operative Travel "When I visited Antigua I was struck by the
beautiful beaches and welcoming people. The zip-wire tour was a real adventure! People who book Antigua fall into all categories – because the hotels range from simple to deluxe there is something for everyone. Some may have considered Antigua unsafe in the past, but there are few objections now.”
Where To Book It W&O TRAVEL – 0845 277 3310
www.wandotravel.com Seven nights for the price of six at four- star Sugar Ridge hotel in Antigua, with day trips to Barbuda available. Seven nights from £1,275pp, including accommodation in a deluxe king or deluxe king with pool, private transfer and flights, saving £90pp. Add either an eight-hour exotic Barbuda daytrip at £945pp (based on two people) or a daytrip to Barbuda by plane (£209pp).
ITC CLASSICS - 01244 355 550
www.itcclassics.co.uk Seven nights at Blue Waters, Antigua. from £1,889pp based on two adults sharing a Superior Hillside Room on an all-inclusive basis, including British Airways World Traveller flights and transfers. Valid for travel completed between June 1 to 15 July 15 and September 1 to October 15 2011.
SEASONS – 01244 202 000
www.seasons.co.uk Seven nights at Jumby Bay for the price of six, saving £485pp. The package is £3,945pp for all-inclusive accommodation in a Beachside Courtyard Suite, flights with BA. •
ANTIGUA Top Selling Tips...
• The International Masters 20/20 festival Cricketfest in November is an opportunity for visitors to see world-class cricket in a carnival atmosphere
• 2011 is the 25th anniversary of the Hawksbill Turtle Programme
.Jumby Bay guests can sign up for Turtle Watch (June-November)
• A highlight for adventurous families is the Zipline Tour
• The DeJam festival in September is a great party choice for revellers. Early bird festival packages can be booked through
www.dejamfestival.com
• Improve your sailing technique! “For those taking their sailing seriously, guests can book sailing as an inclusive package, with as much sailing as they want, technique clinics, tuition and activities at Nonsuch Bay, the only luxury resort in the Caribbean to offer specialist sailing facilities.” Mark Whinney, UK director, Nonsuch Bay
• STAY devoted! “My tip to newlyweds on Antigua would be to pick a holiday option that takes care of all the details and extras so you can leave your worries behind and spend your honeymoon dedicated to each other.” Amanda Lucas, Weddings Supervisor, Sandals
• Take the chopper! “Take the helicopter ride over the island of Montserrat
www.sellinglonghaul.com • May 2011 55
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