30th May 2016

Commendations have come in for Minister of Tourism the Hon. Asot A. Michael and his team within the Ministry of Tourism, the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority and all other ambits of the extensive Ministry for the latest positive statistical pronouncements via the prolific booking engine Expedia relating to major increases in bookings and arrivals to the destination.

According to a release issued by Expedia recently, "travel demand to Antigua and Barbuda on all Expedia sites grew 35 percent in 2015 when compared to 2014…package bookings, and transactions that combine components like flights and hotel, also continue to increase in Antigua and Barbuda with nearly 30 percent increase in 2015 year over year."

New data from Expedia also indicates that the United States remains the key feeder market for Antigua and Barbuda with a reported growth of nearly 40 percent in 2015 year over year. The United Kingdom and Canada are other key markets for Antigua and Barbuda, growing at 50 percent and nearly 15 percent respectively as well during the same timeframe.

Minister Michael cites the recent aggressive marketing thrusts in the areas of accommodations and increased airlift as the major proponent behind these positive numbers.

Representatives from Expedia's Market Management team attended the third annual Showcase Antigua Barbuda, the destination's premier trade event and the single most important business generator for Antigua and Barbuda's tourism industry, May 20 - 22, 2016.

For More Information Contact:
Samoya Kirby
Communications Officer
Tel: (268) 464-0076