Antigua and Barbuda Regains Destination Of Choice Status Among U.S. Travelers
New York – The twin islands of Antigua and Barbuda are celebrating the successful growth of their US Tourism market that has shown remarkable double-digit growth in the previous three months with incredibly strong forward bookings.
The U.S. remains Antigua and Barbuda’s lead market with total arrivals for 2015 YTD at 94,617. These positive results are due to the combination of an aggressive North American Sales & Marketing Road Show in the latter half of 2015, a strategic marketing and advertising campaign, a 14% increase in airlift with the launch of JetBlue New York to Antigua non-stop service, and having some of the lowest fares available to the Caribbean.
The resulting increase in awareness and visibility of Antigua and Barbuda, with new flight options, properties for every price point and desire, over 127 activities to choose from and 365 beaches, has resulted in Americans falling for the twin islands.
Regularly awarded as being one of the most romantic destinations and renowned for it 365 beaches, Antigua and Barbuda has been experiencing increased visibility across its major markets.
Double-digit growth across key markets in the Northeast, Southeast and West Coast, indicates that the destination is on the path to even more positive growth. December 2015 figures show on the Eastern Seaboard, New York and New Jersey had a combined increase of 55.98%, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island had a combined increase of 93.41% and Maryland, Virginia and DC had a combined increase of 32.04%. In the South, Georgia, Alabama, Oklahoma and Tennessee show strong growth with a combined 62.24% increase.
The Midwest showed incredibly strong growth in Michigan and Kansas with a combined 80.66% increase. The West, traditionally not a strong market for the Caribbean saw exponential growth in Washington, Arizona, and Oregon with a combined increase of 89.97%. Utah alone had a 66.67% increase.
January figures continues this upward trend showing positive signs as an overall increase in visitors was up 11.61% with 9,322 visitors. Initial figures suggest this growth will be similar in February and should continue this upward trend throughout the remainder of 2016.
Uniquely positioned by having the newest and most-modern airport in the Caribbean, acting as the ideal gateway to the Twin Islands, Antigua and Barbuda are attracting visitors who are seeking something new and different. Antigua and Barbuda manages to maintain its authentic Caribbean feel and the privacy and intimacy that visitors seek from a small island destination, while still offering a full portfolio of properties meeting every price point and desire from ultra-luxurious to renowned chains to charming bed and breakfasts. In essence, Antigua and Barbuda offers something for everyone.
With over 365 beaches to choose from, visitors will find that none are overrun, and all offer pristine white or pink sand beaches, with stunning azure waters. Antigua and Barbuda also offers a wide range of activities whether on land or on water, a wide array of dining options from 5-star dining to local cuisine, with a rich culture and history.
In addition to growing visitor numbers, 2016 is set to be a year of milestones for Antigua and Barbuda. The Antigua Carnival, the Caribbean’s greatest summer festival, will be marking its 60th Celebration July 22- August 2. The Carnival will celebrate these 60 years with a colorful insight into the culture of the country.
Traditionally 10 days long, this year will have an additional 2 days, of celebratory music and dance where attendees are promised to encounter colorful costumes, Carnival Queen pageants, food fairs, parades, live shows and the best Soca and Calypso music from live bands and performers. Special events are planned to make this celebratory year even better, brighter and exciting for visitors.
The destination will also be celebrating 10 years of June as the month of romance and will be launching exciting activities and packages for couples. Later in the year, Antigua and Barbuda will be celebrating it’s 35th year of independence with 3 days of celebrations planned around November 1st.
To discover why everyone is falling in love with Antigua and Barbuda, topping travel lists every year, and to book your next trip, visit www.visitantiguabarbuda.com for more information or visit www.antiguabarbudabuzz.com for packages and deals.
