Jeffers appointed new Chairman of ABHTA Board

Vernon Jeffers Sr has been appointed the new Chairman of the Board of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority.

Charles Max Fernandez, the country’s tourism minister, made the announcement through a press statement on Friday afternoon.

Jeffers succeeds Dr. Lorraine Raeburn who served as the Chairman from January 2018 – January 2023.

Jeffers is no stranger to tourism as he previously served as a Board Director of the ABTA and past Executive Chairman of the ABHTA).

Jeffers is known as a veteran tourism official and spent many years in the sector, with a career that has seen him hold several managerial positions at hotels within Antigua and Barbuda. Jeffers is presently the Managing Partner of Jewels Management & Consultancy lnc. which is primarily a resort management company.

Minister of Tourism, Charles Fernandez, said his ministry is delighted to welcome the new chairman

“We have full confidence in his ability to lead the team at the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority. Jeffers brings a wealth of experience that will be called on, as the organization moves through this pivotal and exciting period of regaining growth in the cruise, yachting, and stayover arrivals, expanding into new markets and promoting Antigua and Barbuda’s vital tourism industry,” Fernandez said

Meanwhile, Jeffers said, it was an honor to be asked to return to the Board of the ABHTA

“As we look at the competitive landscape, and examine closely how we market Antigua and Barbuda, not only must we continue to engage our traditional partners, but we as a Board must ensure that the CEO and his team have the resources to continue to drive the marketing effort, with digital marketing playing an even more significant role in the market mix. I look forward to ensuring that the tools and a unified marketing strategy, bring about increased airlift and stay-over visitors, due to improved returns on marketing spends”, he said