ABTA Welcomes U.S. Travel Advisory Board for Strategic On-Island Retreat

The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA) recently hosted members of its U.S. Travel Advisory Board in Antigua for a strategic on-island retreat designed to strengthen trade relationships, deepen destination knowledge, and drive increased bookings from the U.S. market.

Led by Dean Fenton, ABTA’s U.S. Director, the visit marked the final on-island meeting for the current Advisory Board ahead of the appointment of a new committee in March. The retreat forms part of ABTA’s broader efforts to enhance the destination’s appeal through closer engagement with key travel partners and firsthand destination experiences.

The programme combined strategic planning sessions with immersive activities, allowing board members to experience Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism product while engaging in high-level discussions with ABTA leadership. Participants took part in resort site inspections, marine excursions, culinary showcases, and collaborative meetings aimed at identifying opportunities for growth and long-term partnerships.

Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation and Investment, Charles Fernandez, met with the group during their stay and expressed appreciation for their continued support of the destination.

“We are pleased to welcome our US travel advisors back to Antigua and Barbuda and to thank them for their continued advocacy of the destination,” Minister Fernandez said. “Their presence here reinforces the confidence we have in our tourism product and the message that Antigua and Barbuda remains fully open and welcoming to travellers. As valued partners in driving growth their feedback continues to play an important role in our US marketing efforts.”

Fenton highlighted the importance of hosting the Advisory Board on island, noting that firsthand experience strengthens advisors’ ability to promote the destination authentically.

“The value of hosting our Advisory Board on-island is immeasurable,” he said. “By experiencing Antigua and Barbuda firsthand, our advisors are better equipped to authentically sell the destination, identify new opportunities, and strengthen the partnerships that ultimately lead to increased visitation and long-term growth.”

During the retreat, the group stayed at Blue Waters Resort & Spa and Hodges Bay Resort & Spa, where they conducted site inspections and held strategic meetings. Culinary experiences included dining at The Palm and The Cove at Blue Waters, White Sands Restaurant at Hodges Bay, and a closing dinner at Mamma Mia. The itinerary also featured a sailing excursion aboard the Excellence catamaran, visits to Prickly Pear Island, beachfront dining at The Hut, and time to explore and shop in St. John’s.

In keeping with ABTA’s commitment to responsible tourism, Advisory Board members participated in a community outreach initiative, including a beach clean-up at Jabberwock Beach and the donation of supplies to the Denis Bowers Rehabilitation Centre. The tourism minister commended the group for their involvement in the initiative.

The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Advisory Board is comprised of senior travel advisors specialising in luxury travel, destination weddings, honeymoons, and experiential travel. Members include Paula McCarty of Travel Smart with Paula; Natalie Fagglanelli of Bayside Travel; Kimberly Jacoby of Romantics Travel; Donna Blasi of Blissful Honeymoons and Destination Weddings; Mark Hennigan, Destination Weddings and Honeymoon Specialist; Kathy Brancifort of First Class Travel; Viviane Gringer of Travel Edge; Roberta Long-Kelleher of Protravel International; and Daren Southgate of Tzell Long Island.

Insights and recommendations from the retreat are expected to inform ABTA’s trade engagement and marketing initiatives as Antigua and Barbuda looks ahead to continued tourism growth in 2026 and beyond.