MIAMI, Florida – USA – 21st August, 2014…….Antigua and Barbuda’s Tourism , Economic Development, Investment and Energy Minister the Hon. Asot A. Michael is this weekend wrapping up a series of meetings with tourism stakeholders in North America.

Minister Michael has been meeting with cruise and airline partners in the USA and Canada discussing areas of the Antigua and Barbuda tourism product that require improved attention and the marketing of the destination.

Minister Michael, who is accompanied by Chief Executive Officer of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority Colin James, Chairman of the St. John’s Development Corporation Rohan Hector, Brian Dornellas of OBM, Cruise Association President Nathan Dundas and Port Manager Mr. Darwin Telemack is holding meetings with the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Travel Trade and Press Executives in Toronto, WestJet Executives, and Air Canada Vacations.  Minister Michael will also meet with Tourism Minister of Canada the Hon. Michael Coteau and hold a town hall meeting with members of the Antigua and Barbuda community in Toronto.

“These meetings are of vital importance to the improvement of our tourism product and as key stakeholders, it is my belief that they have a part to play in how we improve the number one income generator of our economy.  Antigua and Barbuda has enjoyed a mutually rewarding relationship with the Florida Cruise Association and my aim is to enhance it both in the near and long term,” Minister Michael pointed out.

“West Jet has grown tremendously since it commenced flights between Antigua and Canada and the time is ideal for us to highlight what we are doing to make our destination more desirable for Canadians.  I also believe that our over forty (40) year relationship with Air Canada can be improved by upgrading the number and quality attractions on both islands in order to enhance the visitor experience,” the country’s Tourism Minister pointed out.

Following meetings with the Tourism Minister of Canada, the Hon. Michael Coteau and members of the Antigua and Barbuda community on Friday evening, Minister Michael will return to Antigua on Saturday.