BOSTON – Amid consistently frigid weather conditions that are currently plaguing New England, residents in this region are being blanketed by the warmth of the promotional efforts of Antigua and Barbuda’s Ministry of Tourism.
The destination was being spotlighted in a week long television feature as part of “Chronicle” a 30-minute show on WABC’s local affiliate station in New England, hosted by renowned reporter Mary Richardson. In addition, the destination was heavily promoted at the Boston Globe Travel Show this past weekend.
Ranked as the largest travel show in the New England, The Boston Globe attracted over 20,000 consumers and travel professionals looking to plan a vacation getaway. Antigua and Barbuda was among 800 exhibitors at Boston Globe Show and the destination’s colorful booth stood out in the Caribbean Pavilion. Chef Murphy was on hand to provide culinary samples, fresh beverages and other island delicacies to vacation seekers who wanted to sample the flavors of Antigua and Barbuda.
Dean Fenton, Tourism Officer in the United States, who led the team effort in Boston last weekend, was joined by representatives from Jolly Beach Resort and Spa and Hermitage Bay Resort. Fenton believes that these two promotional activities have helped to increase the level of awareness and interest in the destination, and indicates that over 30 bookings were generated at the destination’s booth this weekend.
Fenton also commented that,” The Boston Globe Show presents many opportunities to showcase the destination, and we have become very aggressive about working with our travel partners to ensure that consumers can book vacations on the spot. Weather conditions in New England at this time of year often prompt a lot of impulse bookings and I was very encouraged to see the destination being featured on “Chronicle.” We have positioned ourselves to ensure that we translate this high level of awareness and interest into direct bookings and capture some of this business.”
Many show attendees who had already seen previews of the “Chronicle” show were very excited to meet with tourism officials at the Boston Globe Show. Show producers had traveled to Antigua and Barbuda in late January to complete filming for this television feature that highlighted 20/20 Cricket, pottery making, horseback riding, water sports and some of the island’s premier hotels. The “Chronicle” show will air every night this week and target an audience of over 300,000 viewers throughout New England. This region is the second largest source market in the United States for stay over visitors to Antigua and Barbuda.
