Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority ran an advertising campaign, in conjunction with 19 hotels and 17 tour operators, which reached 8.2 million people through the press, online and activity from tour operators, resulting in over 600 passengers booked during the month long period. Adverts were taken out in publications like ElleUK.com, FT.com, CNTraveller.com and Zagat.com whilst tour operator partners produced special offer pages, newsletters, last minute deals and homepage takeovers.

The campaign, running over two of the biggest sporting events of the year for the island - the end of West Indies vs. England cricket Test and Antigua Sailing Week, focused on the ease of access and affordability to the twin-island destination. During May, June, September and October prices are extremely reasonable - with an entry level of £799 – and flight time of only 7.5 hours.

Johnathan Poole, Hotel Supply Manager at Low Cost Travel Group enthused, “…generally we are tracking 10% up year-on-year and for the period of the offer we are over 50% up so it looks like it worked for us! Many thanks for the opportunity to be involved with this promotion.”

Jean-Marc Flambert, Vice-President Sales and Marketing UK & Europe, says “We are very pleased with these results. Summer is traditionally a low season from the UK. The fact that hoteliers and tour operators rallied around to focus on our traditional low period and see such strong results has proven that by working together we can achieve so much.”

“We are now planning our next campaign for later this year.”

For more information on Antigua and Barbuda, go to www.visitantiguabarbuda.com.  

-ENDS-

For media requests, please contact:

First Public Relations

Alexander Gray

T: 020 8877 4504

E: alexander@firstpr.co.uk  

W: www.visitantiguabarbuda.com

Notes to Editors:

High resolution images available on request.

About Antigua & Barbuda

Antigua (pronounced An-tee'ga) and Barbuda (Bar-byew' da) is located in the heart of the Caribbean Sea. The largest of the Leeward Islands, Antigua & Barbuda comprises 108-square miles. The 365 white and pink sand beaches, one for every day of the year, are just the beginning of the treasures that await visitors.  Antigua's rich history and spectacular topography provide a variety of popular sightseeing opportunities. Nelson's Dockyard, the only remaining example of a Georgian fort commissioned by the British in 1755, is perhaps the most renowned landmark. Betty's Hope, built in 1674, is the site of one of the first full-scale sugar plantations on Antigua, and offers a chance to step back into time by visiting the restored mills. Another unique attraction is Devil's Bridge, located at the eastern tip of the island in Indian Town National Park, where Atlantic breakers have carved out a natural limestone arch. Antigua boasts a varied tourism calendar including events such as the World Class Antigua Sailing Week, Classic Yacht Regatta, Antigua Sports Fishing and also the annual Carnival; known as the Caribbean's Greatest Summer Festival. Island accommodation ranges from luxury resorts and all-inclusive hotels to smaller more intimate boutique guesthouses and cottages. For information about Antigua & Barbuda visitwww.visitantiguabarbuda.com