TORONTO— The Antigua & Barbuda Tourism Authority hosted an evening at Blu Ristorante in Yorkville to reward its industry partners for their instrumental part in the success the destination has been having this year. Canada is Antigua & Barbuda’s third largest source market, and with that in mind Colin C. James, CEO of The Antigua & Barbuda Tourism Authority has been making the most of his time here, meeting with airline partners, tour operators and media during a three-day tour with his team in the GTA.
Travelweek had the opportunity to sit down with James at last night’s event to get the 411 on the destination. “This year has been a great year for Antigua & Barbuda with Canadian visitors,” said James. “Due to efforts, Canadian visitation has been increasing in the summer months.
This year, for the first time, WestJet has had two flights a week all year round instead of their normal service reductions in the summertime.” One new accommodation option is the couples-only Royalton CHIC Antigua, a Blue Diamond Resort, which opened in April on Dickenson Bay with 230 rooms. It’s constructing some over-the-water bungalows as well, which will be ready by the end of the year.
“It’s modern with an eclectic Miami Beach vibe, that’s very beautiful and doing quite well. An upscale and upmarket product,” said James. Also noteworthy, Hawksbill Resort Antigua has reopened following a refurbishment.
Hawksbill has traditionally been popular with Canadian travellers. Tra.