NEW YORK, NY (July 24, 2017) – Antigua and Barbuda brought ‘English Harbour to Sag Harbor,’ in the Hamptons over the course of the weekend through various events to ultimately raise visibility of the twin island nation to this influential community, and inspire many to visit. The weekend began with a successful evening with the Hampton elite to establish connections with the influencers and celebrities, on July 21st at leading restaurant, The Palm East Hampton. The event was held to share the dynamic vision of the tourism industry to transform the twin island nation into an economic powerhouse as well as having the guests learn about Antigua and Barbuda, the culture, and various opportunities for investment with the rapid growth.
Sag Harbor is a flagship sailing community, as is English Harbour in Antigua and Barbuda, playing host to the Caribbean’s most exciting regatta, Antigua Sailing Week, inspiring the country to host the third Antigua Barbuda Hamptons Challenge Regatta on Saturday, the 22nd of July. The Antigua Barbuda Hamptons Challenge offers the biggest sailing prize in the Northeast with the winning Captain and Crew of 5 winning an all-expense paid trip to sail in Antigua Sailing Week 2018.
To offer Sag Harbor a taste of the excitement of the Challenge, as well as a slice of Caribbean culture through music and food, Antigua and Barbuda hosted a Caribbean Cocktail Awards Party at Havens Beach. The cocktail party featured a live band from Antigua, as well as food and drinks inspired by the destination. All of the attendees were provided gifts and as an added bonus, the event featured a Chinese auction, with many amazing prizes including a 5-night/5-day stay at a 5-star luxury property in Antigua, the Inn at English Harbour. During the evening, the prize for the race was turned into a raffle for participants as adverse weather forced organizers to abandon the race. Minister Michael chose the winners with the help of CEO, of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, Colin James.
Antigua and Barbuda was also a headline participant of the RAND Aston Martin Private Brunch in the Hamptons on Saturday, the 22nd at a private estate in the Hamptons. The event showcased the latest models from Aston Martin with exclusive luxury brands, including Antigua and Barbuda. Guests were treated to two signature cocktails to provide a slice of Antigua and Barbuda flavor with, ‘Ticket to Paradise,’ and ‘Romance in the Caribbean,’ featuring award-winning Antigua rum, English Harbour.
“The Hamptons is an important community and market for Antigua and Barbuda, particularly as it shares many of qualities and aesthetics. Through these various events across the Hamptons this weekend, we’ve been able to raise visibility for our wonderful twin island destination, building meaningful connections, and inspiring all to visit and discover firsthand everything we have to offer: from our stunning 365 beaches, premiere sailing facilities, inspiring gastronomy, and hands down the best hospitality bar none. We look forward to greeting them in Antigua and Barbuda over the coming weeks and months and providing them all unforgettable experiences,” said the Honorable Asot A. Michael, Minister of Tourism, Economic Development, Investment and Energy at the evening.
# # #
ABOUT ANTIGUA AND 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, boutique resorts and all-inclusive hotels to smaller more intimate boutique guesthouses and cottages. For information about Antigua & Barbuda visit www.visitantiguabarbuda.us and follow us on Twitter. http://twitter.com/antiguabarbuda Facebook www.facebook.com/antiguabarbuda; Instagram: www.instagram.com/AntiguaandBarbuda