Tourism Officials to capitalize on the marketing opportunity presented by SIDS4

By Aabigayle McIntosh

The team that manages the countries marketing affairs will be using the international exposure Antigua and Barbuda received for the hosting of the 4th Small Island States Conference, as a marketing tool to drive traffic to the destination.

Chief Executive Officer of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority Colin James said they will be taking full advantage of the opportunity.

“What that does particularly in these slower summer months, it means more hotels will remain open, it means more employment for the people, it means an increased opportunity to present and promote Antigua and Barbuda,” he said.

James said the country has never been able to capitalize on the industry in the past due to capacity issues.

“You found in the past, although we could attract people for events, we were never able to hold large scale conferences. Only a few Caribbean countries can hold thousands in their hall, so they would get those type of opportunities. Now this will be a game changer for Antigua and Barbuda.” James said.