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ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA CONCLUDE ITB 2010 MEETINGS
Monday 15th March 2010


ITB - Tourism Minister John Maginley and Tourism Officials engaged in discussion with German Tour Operators

Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Officials have just concluded another successful showcasing of the destination during ITB (International Tourism Bourse) the world’s leading travel trade show, held in Berlin, Germany from March 10 – March 14.

The delegation led by Minister of Tourism John Maginley, included CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, Colin C. James, Director of Tourism for the UK and Europe P. Hilary Modeste and General Manager of the Antigua Hotel and Tourist Association Neil Forrester. They joined Director of Tourism for the German Market, Dr. Werner Giersch and staff from the German tourist office in vital meetings and negotiations with the largest German tour operators, and airlines.

Minister of Tourism John Maginley said “our main objective at ITB was to meet specifically with charter airline, Condor to ensure that we maintain our airlift from Germany. Weekly Condor flights have been secured for the summer months for the second year running and finalization of negotiations on the winter schedule will wrapped up by the end of March. We are working diligently to ensure that we get the best possible deal for the destination so that we can continue to have direct air links with Germany which is essential to our strategy to grow the business from Central Europe.”

“Since the Government’s reintroduction of direct flights from Germany in 2005, arrival figures from that source market have grown by 40% with an 8.4% increase in German speaking markets at the end of 2009,” said Minister Maginley. 

Antigua and Barbuda’s Tourism Minister who also appeared at ITB in his capacity as Chairman of the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) delivered an address at the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) meeting.  The address focused on how the CTO in conjunction with WTO and CARICOM can assist Haiti in achieving its stated development plan goals of making tourism the leading economic contributor to help drive the country’s recovery process. 

Apart from discussions with Condor, the tourism officials also met with Sea Cloud Cruises who have been serving the destination for the past 22 years and who confirmed Antigua and Barbuda as a key home port for this winter’s itinerary.  New operator Sailing-Classic Cruises announced they will be servicing the destination for the first time, beginning this winter. 

CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, James said he was optimistic following a meeting with Mikael Krafft, owner and President of Star Clippers. “We continue to work with them to ensure that they are aware of all of the new security measures that have been implemented, and of the destination’s commitment to do what is necessary so that Star Clippers will consider the option to include us in their winter program and have their passengers, return once more to enjoy Antigua and Barbuda.”

Last year’s ITB Berlin attracted 11,098 companies from 187 countries, who exhibited their products and services.  This year, Antigua and Barbuda’s stand  also hosted tourism partners Blue waters, Elle Colonna, Hermitage Bay, Jolly Beach Resort and Spa, Elite Island Resorts, LIAT and National Tours and Services. These local companies used the first three business days of the travel trade show to meet potential clients in an effort to increase their business. The last two days of ITB, saw thousands of consumers descending on the venue and afford the destination an excellent opportunity to increase its awareness among the German public, who are the world’s most avid leisure travelers. 


ITB - Antigua and Barbuda's representation at ITB

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