As Antigua and Barbuda anticipates another period of significant growth for its burgeoning tourism industry, its US sales, marketing and media team left a weekend retreat fully energised in exceeding new ambitious targets in selling and promoting the twin island destination.
The annual team-building exercise was highly effective in reinvigorating the team with fresh ideas and a renewed shared commitment to driving the steady and impressive surge in arrivals from the US market, a press release from the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA) said.
According to Antigua and Barbuda’s US Director of Tourism, Dean Fenton, the credit goes to team members who have been tireless and unwavering in their devotion to making sure that the destination stays front and centre in the minds of travellers.
“We have the crème de la crème at our disposal to sell, promote and market Antigua and Barbuda and they continue to exceed expectations every time. It shows up in the numbers. So, our retreat was a demonstration of gratitude for their efforts, to build camaraderie and to chart a course for even more ambitious targets, which I know we will achieve,” Fenton stated.
The travel agent industry is a multi-billion-dollar sector and Antigua and Barbuda’s small team of Business Development Managers are assigned to various markets across the US to maintain awareness about the offerings of the destination and ensure agents keep selling the destination to their clients.
Their efforts in building relationships through personalised outreach and reward initiatives, including familiarisation trips, help to position Antigua and Barbuda as a premier vacation option and ultimately expand the mainstay of the country’s economy.
Joining the retreat was ABTA Human Resources Manager, Laurie Louard, who reminded the team of the critical role they play, not just for the industry but all of Antigua and Barbuda.
“Today, there is a mother and father who work in the tourism industry depending on your steadfast commitment to fill flights and bring guests to our hotels so they can be assured of a livelihood to feed and clothe their children and ensure they get the highest standard of education.
“Don’t ever think it’s just about the tourism industry. For a small country, it is way more and we applaud you for your noble and unwavering efforts,” Louard stated.
At an appreciation dinner, Fenton handed out awards in recognition of the outstanding service of team members and as a show of gratitude for their commitment to the growth of Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism industry.
