St. John’s, Antigua – “Score 100” — A promotional effort with the short term goal of bringing 100 top travel agents to gain first hand knowledge and experience of the destination, hit the target last Thursday, as the 100th agent arrived in Antigua and Barbuda. The week’s FAM program included 11 agents from the Professional Travel Agents of North America (PTANA) Chapter Of Greater Detroit, Michigan and two sales executives from American Airlines Vacations. The group was hosted by the St. James’ Club.
In addition to conducting site inspections at various properties, and experiencing land and sea adventures, agents got the opportunity to “leave their mark” in Antigua and Barbuda by participating in a community project that repainted the principal’s office at the Charlesworth T. Samuel Primary School at John Hughes. The school is located at the tip of the rainforest en route to Fig Tree Drive, one of the most traveled sightseeing roadways throughout the destination. Members of the Detroit PTANA also presented a check to the principal of the school, Mrs. Christopher, which will be used towards various school projects.
Derede Samuel-Whitlock applauds the efforts of the Detroit PTANA and said “Many savvy travelers today seek ‘adventure with a purpose’ when they select a destination. This activity provided a unique opportunity for travel agents who sell the destination to contribute to community enhancement, and we hope that this will foster a greater sense of partnership between the destination and the travel agent community.”
In recent times, there has been a growing interest in “voluntourism” where visitors travel to experience new places and to “do something good,” by engaging in community projects that match their interests, faith or persuasion. Participants offer their time and expertise to help educate, advance and empower locals to embrace actions necessary to enhance their communities and develop a sustainable environment.
An appreciation award to acknowledge the commencement of the Score 100 and to recognize agents, American Airlines and local stakeholders who supported the program was made by the CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA) Colin James. Parliamentary representative for the area, Hon. Chester Hughes, donated the paint that was used for the project. He thanked the travel agents for their donation to the school and for investing their time and talents to help improve this community.
Score 100 ran for 10 continuous weeks and is expected to stimulate business and generate significant visitor traffic, particularly during the off-season. This program is expected to become an annual initiative that will facilitate ongoing follow-up with agents and continue to strengthen the destination’s sales efforts.
Left to Right: Derede Samuel-Whitlock, Director/USA, Antigua & Barbuda Tourism Authority; Hon. Chester Hughes, Parliament of Antigua & Barbuda; Members of the Detroit Professional Travel Agents of North America; Colin James, CEO of Antigua & Barbuda Tourism Authority and and American Airlines Sales Executive, Bernado Falcao.
