Antigua plans tourism development

Wednesday, 09 Oct, 2002 0

Antigua prime minister Lester Bird has announced plans to increase the number of rooms on the island by 1,800 to 5,000.

Bird, speaking at a two-day tourism summit in Antigua, revealed the launch of a Tourism Development Corporation, a government-private sector partnership, on January 31.

When funding is established, the development corporation’s goals include the promotion of investment possibilities to increase the room count on the island.

Bird is also keen to enhance marketing, promotion and research to look at the challenges or attracting tourists following September 11.

Quality control of the tourism product and an effort to expand cruise ship calls will also be a responsibility of the TDC.

At present a government-run Department of Tourism, overseen by director-general Shirlene Nibbs, is responsible for some of these functions.