FCCA brings another successful workshop to Antigua-Barbuda

 
Saturday, June 26, 2010/

www.caribbeannetnews.com

 

  

PEMBROKE PINES, USA -- Over 400 people gathered on June 21 and 22 in Antigua to learn from the Caribbean Taxi Pride Program and the Service Excellence Program, both presented by Adam Ceserano, Sr. Vice President of the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA).

Though this was the second time conducting the set of workshops, it was the first time the 160 taxi drivers and 252 stakeholders, including Ministry of Tourism officials, tour operators, shipping agents, etc. learned the information focusing on customer service, courtesy, professionalism, marketing, rules and safety, the economic impact throughout the cruise industry and how to convert cruise passengers to stay-over guests.

The programs were so enlightening, and the participants were so eager to learn, that many of the taxi drivers attending their program on the 21st actually returned and observed the Service Excellence Program, and both sets of attendees made it clear that they would like another program and are excited to apply their knowledge.

The President of the Antigua and Barbuda Cruise Tourism Association, Nathan Dundas, also voiced his satisfaction with the information the programs brought, “A well trained people would equate to better service for the nation and would guarantee even more demand from visitors to the island once they experienced a friendly welcoming environment.”
  
 
Travel agents get into the spirit of Antigua-Barbuda

 
Thursday, June 17, 2010/

www.caribbeannetnews.com

 

By Angela Sinto

NEW YORK, USA -- The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA) hosted their second annual Travel Agent Gospel Brunch, Amen Antigua, in Harlem on Sunday, June 13, 2010. Approximately 100 travel agents from the tri-state area attended the festive affair, an initiative motivated by the ABTA’s increasing focus on the rapidly growing faith tourism market.

ABTA Director for the USA, Derede Samuel Whitlock, welcomed the agents, and introduced them to the many historical churches and landmarks in the twin islands. She reminded the agents of the ease and convenience in traveling to Antigua and Barbuda this summer, with the expanded air service, and gave a brief update on new resorts and attractions.

 
Left to Right: Sandra Reid, ABTA; Colin James, CEO, ABTA; Monica Matthew, Antigua & Barbuda Tourism Ambassador; Dean Fenton, ABTA

Agents were treated to a variety of experiences designed to showcase the spirit of the islands, and the many attractions and amenities available for faith based tours. A special entertainment program, featuring gospel artist Brother Guy Lovin and his quartet, a dance recital, a wonderful poetry reading by tourism ambassador Monica Matthew, and a popular “Name that Hymn!” contest, kept the agents engaged and enthralled throughout the event.

A traditional, mouthwatering Antiguan brunch, prepared by top Antiguan chef Nelson Watson, now resident at the famous Sylvia’s restaurant in Harlem, along with champagne, rum punch and fruit punch satisfied the most discriminating palates. Restaurant owners Sylvia and Herbert Woods have been frequent visitors to Antigua over the past 20 years, and are well acquainted with the island’s culinary delights. The Tropical Rhythms band provided lively renditions of popular gospel standards as well as traditional Antiguan folk songs, the infectious rhythms drawing several agents on to the dance floor to work off their lunch.

An exhibition of paintings by Antiguan artist Vernon Grigg, along with a live demonstration of his art – he completed a landscape painting of the famous St John’s Cathedral in the heart of Antigua’s capital city during the brunch – added another cultural element to the event.

The ABTA intends to make the Travel Agent Gospel Brunch an annual event in New York, and building on the success of last year, has expanded the program to other US markets such as Atlanta.