The Antigua & Barbuda Tourism Authority is pleased to announce its collaboration with the Antigua Hotel and Tourist Association for the inaugural "Showcase Antigua Barbuda" at the Sandals Grande Antigua on the 4-6 June 2014, and are inviting trade partners to join them for this exciting venture. Members of the trade will also be able to benefit from participation in activities organized exclusively for the UK market by the Tourism Authority on the 7 and 8 June.

The showcase will offer wholesalers and tour operators the chance to meet for 20 minute pre-scheduled appointments and conduct business with suppliers in Antigua and Barbuda as well as the regional tourism industry. 

Cherrie Osborne, UK Director of Tourism, Antigua & Barbuda Tourism Authority says: "As one of ABTA's top ten destination's to watch, we expect 2014/15 to be Antigua and Barbuda tourism's year of growth. Showcase Antigua and Barbuda is the ideal opportunity to conduct business and discover what the destination has to offer. We are certainly looking forward to welcoming members of the UK travel trade to Antigua for this event."

All participants will receive a directory including marketing profiles and product information for buyers and suppliers, along with appointment request forms. Appointments are only scheduled through buyer requests and perfect matches, suppliers are encouraged to make contact with buyers they are interested in meeting well in advance. Appointments may also be scheduled on-site during "Scheduling Sessions". The event is free for buyers to attend.

For details of the showcase and how to register visit http://members.antiguahotels.org/events-programmes/showcase-antigua/ or contact the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority on 0203 668 3800.

For more information on holidays and events in Antigua and Barbuda, visit www.visitantiguabarbuda.com. 

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For media requests, please contact
First Public RelationsAnna Wolstenholme
T: 020 8877 4511
E: anna@firstpr.co.uk
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Notes to Editors:
High resolution images of the destination available on request.

Antigua is served by: British Airways and Virgin Atlantic from Gatwick.
The flight time from the UK is approximately eight hours.  LIAT, Caribbean Airlines, Antigua Barbuda Montserrat Air provide inter-island connections.

• Preliminary Schedule:
4 June 2014
2.00pm: Registration & Credentials Claiming
4.00pm: Supplier Tabletop Setup
7.30pm: Welcome Reception

5 June 2014
7.30am: Registration & Credentials Claiming for late arrivals
8.45am: Buyer to Supplier Scheduling Session
9.20am: Appointments are scheduled continuously throughout the day
12.30pm - 2.30pm: Working Lunch

6 June 2014
9.00am - 12.00pm: Additional Optional Appointments
9.00am - 4.30pm: Hotel Visits, Island Tours & Activities

Paradise Islands in the Caribbean SeaLocated in the heart of the Caribbean Sea, Antigua and its sister island Barbuda are known for their numerous coves, bays and clear turquoise-coloured waters. Served by British Airways and Virgin Atlantic from London Gatwick Airport, the eight and a half hour flight will drop you into a tropical paradise to enjoy one of Antigua's 365 white sand beaches. Steeped in culture and history with breathtaking panoramic views it is the perfect destination for family holidays, honeymoons, photo/fashion shoots and more.