Above: Tourism Minister Asot Michael

By the Caribbean Journal staff

Antigua and Barbuda held an “intense” two-day tourism strategy session this week, the government said.

The meeting, which was led by Tourism Minister Asot Michael, gathered together 35 technicians from the product development and marketing bodies under the Minister’s leadership.

“We have many projects coming on stream. We have the responsibility to fill those rooms,” Michael said. “But, while that is happening, we have a few existing properties that are non-performing.  We have to figure out what can be done to make those properties vibrant again.”

The government said the lead-up to the session included meetings with “almost every hotel on island.”

Those on hand included CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority Colin James, North American VP of Sales and Marketing Marie Walker, regional marketing manager Charmaine Spencer and Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority Chairman Rohan Hector, among others.

“I want new, creative ideas that will serve to considerably enhance our place in the world market as one of the leading tourism destinations globally,” Michael said. “We are facing fierce competition now – not only from our Caribbean neighbours, but also from further afield.  How are we to meet that competition and better it.”