Tourism E-Blast Antigua and Barbuda
March Edition
Susie’s Hot Sauce Feel the heat!
Antigua Sailing Week
Powered by the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority
IN THIS ISSUE EVENTS EVENT FEATURE ISSUE FEATURE ISLAND SPECIALS TOURISM UPDATE RESTAURANT SPOTLIGHT
?
ADVENTURE TOURS
FEATURED TOURISM PERSONALITY
What is The Antigua & Barbuda Tourism E-Blast?
W
elcome to the March edition of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism E-Blast! The Tourism E-Blast is
a monthly editorial piece that highlights travel and tourism happenings in Antigua and Barbuda, keeping all within the industr y well-informed. You’ll get a skeletal insight into tourism statistical performance and governmental destination management effor ts and strategies. You’ll also get information on events and travel-related updates, to arm all interested in the things happening in and around our islands, where the beach is just the beginning...
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16
Contents
4 6 7 8 10 11 16 17 19
Events Calendar
What happens on the islands in the months of March and April 2013.
10 Must Do’s
On a visit to Antigua and Barbuda
March Event Feature
Nonsuch Bay Elite Challenge
Susie’s Hot Sauce
A ‘heated’ discussion about a local product we all know and love.
March Island Specials
Hotel and resort specials in the month of March.
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Tourism Industry News
Comprehensive update on the state of the Tourism Industry. Includes: Marketing, Airlift, Statistics and Sea Focus.
Restaurant Spotlight
Featured Spotlight - Hermitage Bay Resort Restaurant.
Island Adventure
An ABTA review of a local tour/attraction - Caribbean Helicopters.
on the cover antigua sailing week
Tourism Employee Spotlight
Ericka Martin, Customer Service Representative. Special Distinctions & Awards: Most Improved Employee
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Wadadli Day – March 2 National Coca Cola Inter-Schools Athletic Championships - March 2 http://www.facebook.com/HurricanePowerAthleticClub West Indies Sail Regatta – March 2 – 3 www.antiguayachtclub.com
MARCH
Wadadli Tinman Triathlon Club Swim Marathon (10k swim) & Aquathlon (2k swim, 10k run) Turners’ Beach – March 9 antiguatinmantriathlon.com | www.facebook.com Antigua Yacht Club Annual Laser – March 9 – 10 www.antiguayachtclub.com Women’s Billiards Tournament – March 10 www.AntiguaBarbudaBilliards.org | president@antiguabarbudabilliards.org Expressions: Poetry in the Pub – March 12 & 26. augustrush.antigua@gmail.com | www.facebook.com EAG: Whale Watching Coastal Tour – March 16 www.eagantigua.org Piggotts Sports Club “Fun Run, Fun Walk” – March 24 www.pigottsbulletsfc.com I www.facebook.com Antigua Yacht Club Shamrock – March 17 www.antiguayachtclub.com Antigua & Barbuda International Kite Festival – March 26 - April 3 www.facebook.com Antigua Rainforest Canopy – Full Moon Night Flight Zip Line – March 27 www.antiguarainforest.com | (268)562-6363 Good Friday (Public Holiday) – March 29 Hayden Walsh Easter Classic – March 30 - 31 www.libertasportsclub.com | liberta_sports_club@hotmail.com
Friday Saturd, March 1 an ay, Ma d rch 2.
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Easter Monday (Public Holiday) – April 1 St. Mary’s Parish Annual Easter Monday Food Fair – April 1 (268) 462-8129 | www.facebook.com
APRIL
Copper and Lumber Seafood Fridays – April 5, 12, 19, 26. www.copperandlumberhotel.com Hurricane Power Athletic Club 10k/5k Run Series #1 – April 7 www.facebook.com/HurricanePowerAthleticClub
THE PARTY SCHEDULE FOR ANTIGUA SAILING WEEK 2013
Expressions: Poetry in the Pub – April 9 & 23. augustrush.antigua@gmail.com | www.facebook.com
Friday 26th April - Guadeloupe to Antigua Race Prize Giving - Antigua Yacht Club, 5 pm
26th Annual Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta – April 18 – 23 www.antiguaclassics.com
Saturday 27th April- The Yachting World Round Antigua Race Prize Giving and Antigua Sailing Week Welcome Party - Nelson’s Dockyard 6 pm (Prize Giving 7 pm)
Hurricane Power Athletic Club 10k/5k Run Series #2 – April 21 http://www.facebook.com/HurricanePowerAthleticClub Antigua Rainforest Canopy – Full Moon Night Flight Zip Line – April 25 www.antiguarainforest.com | (268)562-6363 Guadeloupe to Antigua Race (Antigua Yacht Club) – April 26 www.sailingweek..com 46th Annual Antigua Sailing Week – April 28 – May 3 www.sailingweek.com Back 11 Life Music Festival – Late April 2013 www.soul2soul.co.uk
Sunday 28th April - Dockyard Party, Nelson’s Dockyard, 4 pm. Tuesday 30th April - The Big One - to be announced! Wednesday 1st May - Lay Day and Nonsuch Bay RS Elite Challenge, Pigeon Beach, 1 pm. Friday 3rd May - The Final Awards Presentation and Farewell Party, Nelson’s Dockyard, 6 pm (Prize Giving 7 pm).
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10 Must - Do’s on a Visit to Antigua & Barbuda
1.
Sail!
Charter a ya or learn the
cht and relax
art of sailing
like the roya lty
.
2. 3.
you are,
Go Crazy
designer bags, cigars, ! Cologne, jewellery, Buy Something Nice pping heaven. free means a true sho alcohol, lots of duty
A relatively
ads an gar cane ro su u ld o h g s while yo throu urs and bay You’ll trek o rb a h f o views h stunning estates wit Bliss. igh speeds! zoom at h
7. 8.
Get Married!
romantic flair will lea
uired, tie the knot in pa
radise. Our
d you there.
Campin g Barbuda in
unknown ac
ed beach o
4.
t
With no residency req
tivity by man y, the prosp ect of camp ing n an island w it h no crime, lit and 1,000 p tle emission eaceful resi s dents and n ew friends, time to get sounds like back in tou a good ch with you r inner-self. on a seclud
6.
rough h t V T A Past! n a u g i r he Ant d old suga
at Sunset ts on a h g i e H ’s a until Shirley n to Antigu ee b ’t en av h ! You ts. Steel Sunday irley’s Heigh
nset at Sh ienced a su nch you’ve exper es. Rum Pu warm breez d an es m ti g, good pan, dancin
9. anyone?
rts Go Spog ! Fishin Wahoo, , Tuna, 700 lb Marlin
for d at fishing Try your han ady! hungry alre Kingfish... I’m
5.
Eat Loca
l! Have a try at ho w locals enjoy eating on the w eekends. Be sure to ask for Maw, Black Pudding, Souse and Conchs Water ... Don’t ask wha t it’s made of, ju st eat!
One of 36
beginning!
Enjoy a
5! We told
you the b
10.
beach
each was
...
just the
rever! o F y a t S ing a d becom
roperty an
wning p u stayed. O yo if it ve We’d lo u think! ier than yo local is eas
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Event Feature Nonsuch Bay Elite Challenge
I
f asked the question, ‘What’s happening in Antigua?’ almost any
local will tell you that Antigua Sailing Week is fast approaching! This worldrenowned week of sailing events is one of the most anticipated happenings locally and abroad as it welcomes an incredible number of large vessels from around the world to compete in a wide array of top-class racing competitions. The 46th Edition of Antigua Sailing Week is set this year from April 27th to May 3rd and event organizers have seen a tremendous response in participation for this year which gives a good idea of the highly competitive yet exciting racing to be seen. One of the unique features of Antigua Sailing Week is its ability to draw a varied crowd of persons - those who love the sea and sailing and those who may not even be sailing inclined. The many parties that happen on land always get a great crowd of people who photography compliments Nonsuch Bay Resort
are ever-ready to ‘jam’! ‘Lay Day’, an event The winning team will receive the challenge’s not to be missed during Sailing Week, will overall prize of a week’s accommodation for have an added feature this year thanks to two at Nonsuch Bay Resort with unlimited Sailing Week Bronze Sponsor - Nonsuch Bay use of the resort’s fleet of sailboats and Resort and Spa.
equipment.
Amidst the beach games, barbecues and Nonsuch Bay Resort will also be offering music that will take place at Pigeon Point excellent hospitality on the beach on Lay on Wednesday 1st May, 2013 there Day during the Challenge for participants, will also be a fantastic new one-design their guests and VIPs. There will also be racing competition, the Nonsuch Bay RS top-quality food and drinks available for Elite Challenge. Nonsuch Bay Resort is purchase for all Lay Day participants at very supplying its fleet of four RS Elite sailboats reasonable prices. to some of the world’s best sailors who will This challenge adds another interesting and take part in this invitation-only competition. exciting dimension to Lay Day that should The challenge will also afford persons great be highly enjoyable for both participants and spectating opportunities from the beach.
spectators alike. The Nonsuch Bay RS Elite
So far, those invited include French sailing Challenge should make Lay Day even more legend and creator of Les Voiles de St. Barths, an event not to be missed! Luc Poupon, and Denmark’s double-Olympic Gold Medallist, Pol Hoj-Jensen. Adrian Lower, skipper of Swan 44 Selene and newly-appointed Commodore of the Royal Burnham Yacht Club, has also been invited as well as Ross Applebey, skipper of Oyster 48.
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9 As any local will tell you, the Susie’s Hot Sauce brand is synonymous with Antiguan flavour and spirit. With a product as fiery and colourful as its home; Susie’s Hot Sauce continues to be a draw for visitors who live for the heat! Rosemarie McMaster is daughter of Susannah Tonge, who actually began making Susie’s Hot Sauce in her kitchen at Upper North Street, St. John’s in the summer of 1960. Rosie is now owner of ‘Susie’s’ and can attest to the high volume of interest in the ever popular sauce and its home: the islands of Antigua and Barbuda.Although Susie’s is described as a ‘cottage industry business’, it continues to grow by leaps and bounds, and owner Rosie plans to spice things up even more in the form of a manufacturing and tourism complex. The idea for the complex came about a few years ago, but after much deliberation, McMaster’s dream is finally beginning to come true. Phase one is the construction of the manufacturing aspect of the complex, which will be the first to be completed and fully operational. The complex, which is scheduled for construction this year, will give visitors a unique and spicy tour experience as it offers a look into what goes into producing the award-winning hot sauce. From the special mix of peppers and fruits from the gardens to the well-honed skills of sauce- making that only comes from years of experience.
The complex promises to engage not only the senses of sight, smell and touch but also taste! Visitors will be able to ignite their taste buds at the, Susie’s Spicy Deli where they can sample a variety of delectable eats. To commemorate the visit and to get your fiery fix for Susie’s, the tour will end with a visit to Susie’s Gift Shop where Susie’s branded items and souvenirs will be available for purchase. For those who are especially serious about their hot sauce, the complex will also include Vacation Villas for those who want a 360 degree Susie’s experience. Whatever your predilection, Susie’s complex will be sure to satisfy. A Little Bit about Rosie...
M
cMaster is known for more than just hot sauce; she established Global Travel and Tours in 1982 after working at Bryson’s Travel and, at the time, was convinced that the travel industry was where she
should be. However, after some soul-searching she took up the mantle left by her mother Susannah and has turned Susie’s into the successful enterprise it is today.
Trust us, Susie’s Hot Sauce, is nothing to sneeze at. With an array of international awards such as: three Golden Chile Awards in Texas and three Scovie Awards in Albuquerque, New Mexico plus the numerous international television and media coverage, Susie’s is not just a household name in Antigua, but is continuing to give many foreign tongues cause to wag in more ways than one. Currently, there are several varieties of Susie’s including: Susie’s Original, Susie’s Calypso, Mango Mandingo, Tamarind Tango and Pineapple Pleasure. Susie’s output is approximately 4,800 gallons per year with locals consuming about 80% of this, while around 20% is exported.
This number seems to be growing though as Susie’s has been exported to a number of surprisingly exotic locations like, most recently, the Czech Republic and Ukraine as well as Singapore, Korea, Italy, Australia and Germany to name a few. It’s safe to say that while Susie’s is definitely a local favourite, it has definitely found its way into the hearts of many. Susie’s Manufacturing and Tourism Complex will add to the array of attractions that keep our visitors entertained, informed and satisfied with the tastes that defines us.
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March
ISLAND SPECIALS Anchorage Inn Book at Anchorage Inn by April 15th, for stays before June 30th and be eligible for their Spring into Summer Package, with a fabulous special on five-night stays in their double occupancy studio apartment at one low price! The package includes breakfast for two, one night dinner credit, airport transfers and car rental for one day. For more details, go to www.antiguaanchorageinn.com
Grand Pineapple Antigua Resort Receive Up To 65% off for travel through December 21, 2014. Includes all meals, unlimited drinks, tips, taxes and complimentary use of windsurfing equipment, kayaks, snorkeling gear and sunfish sailboats for exploring the bay. Travel Dates: Jan. 1 - December 21, 2013 and Jan. 1 - Dec. 21, 2014. For more details, go to www.grandpineapple. com/resorts/grand-pineapple-antigua/resort-home/
Nonsuch Bay Resort and Spa Book a seven night stay at Nonsuch Bay Resort for Easter and Spring Break and enjoy a 15% discount on accommodation rates, along with complimentary return trip private transfers. Check out www.nonsuchbayresort.com
Trade Winds Hotel Stay at Trade Winds Hotel over Easter Weekend for three nights, you only pay for two. Along with that, book now and receive complimentary welcome drinks and free Wi-Fi. Go to www.twhantigua.com.
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Tourism Industry News Antigua and Barbuda Marketing Presence:
Cruise Shipping Miami 2013
the most listeners in Italy; with over 1.5 million listeners weekly. Antigua & Barbuda was well represented at 2013’s largest cruise See details of Mr Bellini’s trip by viewing his Facebook: convention in the Americas, the annual Cruise Shipping Miami http://www.facebook.com/DecibelBelliniofficial held in South Beach Florida. Antigua & Barbuda does a 4 page spread in FCCA’s Minister of Destination Magazine Tourism Hon. The ABTA secured an advertorial feature within the Florida John Maginley, Caribbean Cruise Association’s (FCCA’s) Cruise Destinations Guide Colin
James, which was released at Cruise Shipping Miami 2013. The feature CEO of the included a 4-page advertorial spread in the magazine, along with a Antigua
and double-page ad. In addition to the destination feature, Antigua and B a r b u d a Barbuda receives weekly visibility, advertising its tours & attractions T o u r i s m in the FCCA’s newsletter, with destination content generated by the Authority, Nathan Dundas, President of the Antigua and Barbuda ABTA Caribbean Office. Cruise Tourism Association, Conrad Pole, Manager of the Antigua Pier Group and Charmaine Spencer, Marketing Manager of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority led high level meetings with major cruise lines serving the island. Tour operators were also invited to host meetings with cruise reps, to contract business for the upcoming cruise season. Tourism Authority Hosts Famous Italian DJ Italian TV and Radio personality, Daniele Bellini of Radio Marte, was hosted on an Antigua and Barbuda PressTrip organized in collaboration with Press Tours and the ABTA, UK and Caribbean offices. Bellini reports that he had an enjoyable trip, and has begun publicizing the twin-island state on Italian TV and Radio. RADIO
MARTE
is
one of the leading syndicated radios with
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AIRLIFT UPDATE
Manchester Flights Coming! – Condor (operated by Thomas Cook) to fly Manchester to Antigua November 2013 Condor, operated by Thomas Cook, will begin flying from Manchester, UK to Antigua starting November 2013, featuring an economy only cabin. With seats allocated to Signature, passengers will have the ability to book this flight outside of the Condor charter. The flight will be fed by flights out of Germany and Central Europe. WestJet to fly all year-round! With good performance in the first four months of operations, Canadian low-cost carrier WestJet has confirmed and published its schedule of service to Antigua throughout summer 2013. Effective May 4, WestJet will fly to Antigua once weekly from Toronto, utilizing its bigger 174 -seat Boeing 737-800 series aircraft every Saturday, until October 26, 2013. Delta begins service one week earlier than planned on Saturdays for winter 2013 / 2014 Delta Air Lines has updated their winter 2013 / 2014 schedule for flights to Antigua. Delta will now fly from New York’s JFK and Atlanta’s Hartsfield International to Antigua every Saturday commencing November 2, 2013 until the close of the season. Original date of commencement was November 9, 2013.
Southwest Airlines flies to the islands! – Puerto Rico flights to commence April 14, 2013 Beginning April 14th, 2013, customers flying to the Caribbean from the USA will have another option in air travel. popular American low-cost carrier Southwest Airlines begins twice daily non-stop flights from Orlando International and once daily non-stop flights from Tampa International to San Juan’s Luis Muñoz Marin International Airport. Once in San Juan, customers can easily get to Antigua and Barbuda using regional carrier LIAT - The Caribbean Airline.
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SEA FOCUS
Island Ferries
Montserrat lies a mere 33 miles (55 km) due south-west of Antigua
Operates: 5 days weekly – Tuesday to Saturday
and sister isle Barbuda just 38 miles (62 km) due north of St. John’s.
FERRY SCHEDULE ANTIGUA & BARBUDA
We’re pretty sure many of you were not aware that Montserrat is actually nearer to Antigua than Barbuda is! It is also interesting to think, that the distance of these islands is only exaggerated due to the blue amass of sea that separates us, but if for the presence of a theoretical high-speed roadway, it’s surprising to think that travel
Departs Antigua
Arrives Barbuda
09:00 a.m. (0900)
10:30 a.m. (1030)
Departs Barbuda
Arrives Antigua
03:45 p.m. (1545)
05:15 p.m. (1715)
would only be a short 40 minute drive before arriving. Costs:
But that’s all wishful thinking, and for now, we’re happily connected by a hard-working ferry network that provide a lifeline link between our
One-Way
Round-Trip
islands, and provide opportunities for touring, sharing and exploring.
$110.00 XCD or $41 USD
$220.00 XCD or $82 USD
In this sea focus, we explore the ferry options to our nearest two Child fares and Day Tours available. neighbours that may interest seafarers in need of an escape. Call Fredrique at (268) 560 -7989 or visit www.antiguaferries.com Antigua to Barbuda – Barbuda Express! The main connector of goods, citizens and visitors to and from Antigua and Barbuda, The Barbuda Express is an innovative wave-piercing catamaran giving maximum passenger comfort at high speeds. The crossing takes 90 minutes in nearly all weather conditions and makes it ideal for business use and for day-trips or excursions. The ferry
Antigua to Montserrat – MV Caribe Queen The MV Caribe Queen provides comfortable and reliable ferry transfers between Antigua and Montserrat, with added frequency in times of high demand. Montserrat is rich with emerald-green Irish culture, and still celebrates St. Patrick’s Day with a week of activities to compliment the Irish holiday!
departs from Point Wharf, and ticketing is done on the same day of Those interested in travel to and from Antigua and Montserrat in the sailing. Get there an hour ahead, to ensure you meet the sailing! the month of March have the option of 2 sailings in each direction
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on Mondays and Thursdays and 1 sailing in each direction on Fridays and Saturdays. In support of the St. Patrick’s Festival of Activities, the ferry will operate daily from Wednesday March 13 to Saturday March 23 with up to 2 sailings in each direction on select days! The boat leaves from the Deep Water Harbour in St. John’s and ticketing is done on the same day of departure. Antigua departures require passengers to check in 90 minutes prior to departure, and 60 minutes prior to departure for Montserrat sailings. Mondays and Thursdays remain ideal for day trips, and add adventure to any Antigua and Barbuda (and Montserrat) getaway! Operates: 4 days weekly – Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday (Increased frequency to daily Wednesday March 13 to Saturday March 23)
FERRY SCHEDULE MONTSERRAT Day
Depart Montserrat
Arrive Antigua
Depart Antigua
Arrive Montserrat
Depart Montserrat
Arrive Antigua
Depart Antigua
Arrive Montserrat
MON
6:30 a.m.
8:30 a.m.
9:00 a.m.
11:00 a.m.
4:30 p.m.
6:30 p.m.
7:00 p.m.
9:00 p.m.
THU
6:30 a.m.
8:00 a.m.
9:00 a.m.
10:30 a.m.
4:30 p.m.
6:00 p.m.
6:30 p.m.
8:00 p.m.
FRI
6:30 p.m.
8:30 a.m.
6:30 p.m.
8:30 p.m.
No Service
SAT
6:30 a.m.
8:30 a.m
6:30 p.m.
8:30 p.m.
No Service
Costs: One-Way
Round-Trip
$150.00 XCD or $56 USD
$300.00 XCD or $112 USD
Child fares and Day Tours available. Call Mrs. Jennifer Burke in Antigua at (268) 778 -9786 or visit www.visitmontserrat.com for more information, and increased frequency schedules.
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Tourism Statistics February 2013 February 2013 Tourist Air Arrivals Country
February 2013
February 2012
% Change
TOTAL
24145
25552
-5.51
United States of America
8082
8785
-8.00
Canada
4624
3707
24.74
United Kingdom
7177
7523
-4.60
Caribbean
1911
2475
-22.79
Hotel Occupancy February 2013 February Occupancy 2013
76.5%
February Occupancy 2012
70.8%
Sorted by Size
2013
2012
Large Hotels - +150 Rooms
76.1%
67.9%
77.6%
76.8%
Small – Less than 50 Rooms
76.7%
72.2%
Sorted by Class
2013
2012
Luxury
86.0%
81.7%
Mid Range
75.8%
69.5%
Budget
42.1%
42.5%
Mid Size Hotel – 50-150 Rooms
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Hermitage Bay Resort
RESTAURANT SPOTLIGHT
The restaurant at Hermitage Bay Resort
The Entrées
offers gourmet dining that perfectly
Cheesesteak Sandwich with French fries and heaven and they would still be on the right
complements the ultra chic, yet eco-friendly
Lemon Tarragon Chicken Salad.
say, it could have been renamed chocolate track!
bungalows, lush gardens and spectacular view of the beach.
The sandwich, made
This entire meal coupled with the
famous in the US city
refreshing virgin mohitos, Hermitage’s
With a menu that changes daily, guests have
of Philadelphia, was a
signature welcome drink, was a great dining
the opportunity to sample a wide array of
satisfying and hearty
experience that everyone should have.
flavours and original recipes and the E-Blast
mix of chopped
team was pleasantly surprised at the way
beef sautéed with peppers, onions and
For reservations or for more information,
the chef is redefining the idea of gourmet
mushrooms on house-made ciabatta bread.
call Hermitage Bay at
dining.
The chicken salad was a delightful mix of
562-5500 or visit their website at
spring greens, grilled chicken breast, walnuts,
www.hermitagebay.com
The Appetizers
celery and tart green apples in a light
Corn-crusted fish sticks with honey lime
vinaigrette.
dipping sauce and Antiguan salt fish and eddo fritters with avocado dip.
Dessert Chocolate Decadence.
The fish sticks were
This dessert surely
perfectly cooked -
lived up to its name!
crispy on the outside
A slice of one of
and flaky and flavorful
the lightest flourless
on the inside with
chocolate cakes the
just the slightly spicy
team has ever had,
dipping sauce while the fritters were cloudy
with chocolate ganache frosting, sitting on
pillows of salt fish and rich creamy eddo,
drizzles of caramel sauce and accompanied
highlighted by the creamy avocado sauce.
by a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Needless to
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Feeling for Adventure? Why not take flight?
Treat yourself to a tour onboard Caribbean flights that I have ever experienced. The your safety a priority. Prior to every flight, Helicopters and be welcomed to some comfortable altitude on a clear day makes it each passenger is required to participate in of the most spectacular day-tours offered feel like nothing short of floating on air!
a pre-flight safety briefing , where the full
anywhere on the planet! Imagine being
safety features of the aircraft and heliport
flown through a land lost in time, through
Tours include:
are explained in detail by the Ground Staff.
the volcanic island of Montserrat, and find
•
The Montserrat Volcano tour
Please note, each passenger is required
your paradise, ‘untouched’ in the sister isle of
•
The Antigua Full Island tour
by regulation to wear a life jacket (folded
Barbuda. There’s definitely lots waiting to be
•
The Barbuda tour
into a waist pouch) on all company flights.
seen and discovered, while always having a
•
Island charters
At all times during the ground segment of
bird’s eye view. My tour was just a short 18 minute
the flight, passengers are accompanied by a Or for those who want personalized VIP member of Caribbean Helicopters Ground
flight over to Barbuda with a landing at the service, Caribbean Helicopters offers private Staff who assist with seat belts, headsets, Martello Tower; which I discovered was Day Trips to several neighboring islands door operation and movement around the one of the earliest forts to be built in the such as: Barbuda, Montserrat, St. Kitt’s, Nevis, helicopter. Western Hemisphere. I was also able to see Guadeloupe, St. Barth’s, St. Maarten, and
The company operates Bell 206 series
the stunning Princess Diana beach, recently Anguilla.
Long Ranger and Jet Ranger helicopters. All
re-named after the late Princess Diana of
company aircraft are fitted with pop-out floats
Wales, as this was the beach she frequented
Established in Antigua in 1995, Caribbean that can be deployed in seconds, providing
on her private holidays to Barbuda. Known Helicopters Limited holds an Antiguan Air the ability to land on water in the event of for its exclusivity and seclusion, and with the Operators Certificate issued by the Eastern an emergency. All operations are fully insured perfect backdrop of stunning beaches and Caribbean Civil Aviation Authority. The and are regulated by the Eastern Caribbean natural wildlife, Barbuda is truly the perfect company also has an accident-free safety Civil Aviation Authority (E.C.C.A.A.) to place for a romantic getaway or for those record for the 17 years since the company’s standards set by the International Civil seeking a little rugged adventure.
incorporation and all aircraft are fitted with Aviation Organisation (I.C.A.O.), the Civil
Still, what I found most appealing about this safety equipment including emergency pop- Aviation Authority (C.A.A.) of the United excursion was the comfortable flying altitude, out flotation gear, life jackets and life rafts. and I must say it was one of the smoothest
Kingdom, and Federal Aviation Authority
The team at Caribbean Helicopters makes (F.A.A.) of the United States.
18 The helicopter used on my tour was the Bell 206L Long Ranger light helicopter which has more power, performance and lifting capability than the Jet Ranger.The extra cabin size provides a very useful increase in utility with a six (6) passenger configuration. Its stable hover performance is great for aerial photography. For more information visit: www.caribbeanhelicopters.com
photography compliments Charmaine Spencer
*
Island Adventure review conducted by Charmaine Spencer - ABTA Marketing Manager
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Tourism employee spotlight: Ericka Martin Works at: Antigua and Barbuda Airport Authority
Does: Customer Service Representative
Special Distinctions & Awards: Most Improved Employee
What sets Ericka Apart? Her strong passion for service excellence. Ericka is a firm believer that service excellence in her field plays a vital role in the experience that visitors to Antigua and Barbuda have and increases the chances of them returning to the destination. With this passion, she makes sure to deliver exceptional service on a daily basis.
What keeps her going? What is her Motivation? Ericka is motivated by her two boys, and always works hard and gives her best, to ensure she sets an example for them to follow. Ericka also credits her enthusiasm for meeting and connecting with people as a key motivating aspect. By delivering customer service that exceeds each passenger’s expectations, Ericka feels she has made her contribution to the island’s tourism industry.
What does being an Antiguan and Barbudan Hospitality Ambassador mean to her? Ericka is a proud Antiguan and Barbudan and sees herself as a service excellence provider who is a small but important part of the larger framework of the tourism industry. Being an ambassador is a job that she takes very seriously.
As part of the first group of Customer Service Representatives of the Airport Authority, Ericka, who has lived in the United States, felt it necessary to return home as this is where she wants to raise her two children. Ericka’s love for her country and genuine pleasure in providing not only a warm welcome to
visitors, but also being available to assist them in any way she can, is what makes her the spotlight tourism employee. Keep up the good work Ericka!
Do you know a tourism employee deserving of the spotlight in the monthly Tourism E-Blast? Nominate your shining star by submitting their name, place of employment, and brief details as to the qualities you see demonstrated, deserving of acknowledgement as an Antiguan and Barbudan Hospitality Ambassador. Email your submission to info@aandbtourism.com
Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority Offices In Antigua and Barbuda ACB Financial Centre – 3rd Floor High Street
Send us your feedback:
St. John’s, Antigua Tel: 1 268 562 7600/01/03/04
info@aandbtourism.com
Fax: 1 268 562 7602 Email: info@aandbtourism.com
Social Media Links
In the United States of America 3 Dag Hammarskjold Plaza – Suite 6A
www.visitantiguabarbuda.com
305 East 47th Street
www.facebook.com/AntiguaBarbuda
New York, NY 10017
www.youtube.com/GoAntiguaBarbuda
Tel: 1 212 541 4118
www.twitter.com/antiguabarbuda
Fax: 1 646 215 6008 Email: info@antigua-barbuda.org In Canada 60 St Clair Avenue East – Suite 601 Toronto, Ontario Canada M4T 1N5 Tel: 1 416 961 3085 Fax: 1 419 961 7218 Email: info@aandbtourism.com
E-Blast is marketed and produced by: The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority Marketing Team
Charmaine Spencer Robert Samuel Matara Thomas
(Editor & Creative Director) (Contributing Writer) (Contributing Writer)
In the United Kingdom and Europe 2nd Floor 45 Crawford Place London W1H 4LP Tel: 011 44 020 7258 0070 Fax: 011 44 020 7258 7486 Email: tourisminfo@aandbtourism.com
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