The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority has selected a new Travel Advisory Board for the United States market.
The board will sit for the period September 2022-September 2023, the Caribbean Journal has learned.
Board members are travel business owners throughout the Midwest, Southeast, East Coast and West Coast.
They were selected because of their “strong relationship with the US office of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, the passion they have for the destination and the important role they play in the travel industry,” the heirs said in a statement.
“We benefit from your knowledge and expertise, so I would like to congratulate those of you who have had careers spanning more than 30 years in the travel industry and who are proud owners and managers in your respective field,” Antigua Tourism and Barbuda Minister Charles Fernandez told board members at a recent dinner at the Sandals Grande Antigua Resort.
This year’s board members include Brenda O’Neale – Wedding and Honeymoon with this ring destination; Debra Brown – SmartBird World Travel; Susan Berman – Berman Travel; Terry Strauss – Dedham Travel; Niki Rakowitz – Care Travel; Edouard Jean – Mass Trips; Tom Varghese – Tom Travel and Donna Borrelli – Hamden Travel.
“The true purpose and mission of the Board is to create real value for the destination as we look forward, not back, and present ideas that will allow the forward-looking uniqueness of Antigua and Barbuda to shine,” said Brenda O’Neale, who is the chairman of the Advisory Board. “I am especially proud to be part of a team that cares deeply about Antigua and Barbuda tourism and the travel industry in general.”
The group spent five days in Antigua this month, catching up on the latest destination updates and brainstorming.
“The past few days have been very productive,” said Dean Fenton, USA Director of Tourism Antigua and Barbuda. “The group has been engaged in strategic think tank sessions, producing big ideas that will help Antigua and Barbuda stand out and drive more business to the destination from the US.
