Above: Antigua’s booth at World Travel Market

By the Caribbean Journal staff

Antigua and Barbuda expects will see increased airlift out of the United Kingdom this season, according to Tourism Minister John Maginley.

Most notably, beginning Dec. 19, Antigua will receive a new flight out of Manchester with Thomas Cook.

“We have focused on expanding as well as building up new routes for the destination”, Maginley said. “And, this new route will boost travel to Antigua and Barbuda particularly from the areas north of London during the winter.”

Virgin Atlantic is increasing its service to Antigua from three to four flights with more first class and premium seats. British Airways will maintain its daily flights.

“We are extremely pleased with the additional airlift coming out of the UK for the winter as well as looking ahead into the summer,” said Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority CEO Colin James during the World Travel Market in London. “Antigua’s product is heavily upmarket, and the reconfiguration by the airlines to allow for more upper class seats will bode well for the destination. It demonstrates the confidence by our airline partners in the consumers’ demand for Antigua’s luxury product, and in our ability to fill these seats.”

The Antigua delegation to this week’s included cricketing legend Sir Vivian Richards as a tourism ambassador.