Antigua & Barbuda Hits the Ground Running in Colombia

As part of Routes Americas 2024, the tourism authorities of Antigua and Barbuda hosted a welcome cocktail at the Hyatt Place Bogotá hotel on Monday, March 18. The event was attended by the Honorable Minister Charles Fernandez and Charmaine Spencer, Director of Tourism for the Caribbean and Latin America, alongside other delegation members.

During the gathering, the destination authorities emphasized their commitment to enhancing ties with airlines to improve connectivity within the region. They also underscored the significance of collaboration among all stakeholders in tourism, including public and private entities and tour operators, to strengthen their presence in Colombia and across Latin America.

Minister Fernandez highlighted the significance of their participation in Routes Americas, stating, “Our presence here in Bogotá represents an incredible opportunity to expand our reach in Latin America. We've enhanced connectivity through the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico, collaborated with hospitality partners, and invested in training Latin American tour operators, resulting in a 32% growth in the Latin American tourism market in 2023.” Additionally, he referenced various hospitality ventures aimed at bolstering the destination's hotel offerings.

Antigua and Barbuda, renowned for its 365 beaches, unique attractions, and diverse culinary scene, is celebrated as a premier romantic destination. Charmaine Spencer remarked, “The warmth of Antigua and Barbuda extends beyond our tropical climate to our friendly people. We've earned the title of Most Romantic Destination in the Caribbean six times at the World Travel Awards and TripAdvisor's 2024 Travelers Choice Award for Best Honeymoon Destination. Our destination offers a perfect setting for love and is also a haven for those seeking sustainable tourism experiences amidst natural beauty and adventure.”

Since 2019, Antigua and Barbuda has collaborated with EM Worldwide Communication & Tourism Marketing to bolster its presence in Latin America through various promotional activities such as events, agent and tour operator training, participation in fairs, loyalty programs, and marketing campaigns. The launch event in Bogotá reaffirmed their commitment to the country and the region, with notable attendees including Dona Regis-Prosper, Secretary General of the Caribbean Tourism Organization, representatives from Colombian Civil Aviation, airlines like American Airlines, Wingo, and Bahamas Air, as well as key industry players like Sandals and leading tour operators.