The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority recently held a summer ‘Beach Shack’ gathering at a bar in Soho, London.

The event was held for the UK travel trade to discuss tourism to Antigua and Barbuda for 2017.

Jean-Marc Flambert, vice-president of sales and marketing in UK and Europe at ABTA, addressed the gathering of the travel specialists, hailing 2017 as a positive year for Antigua and Barbuda, despite certain obstacles; “We are only 481 PAX away from beating 2015, our best year ever for visitor numbers from the UK. Despite the setbacks of Brexit and the devaluing of the pound, a successful advertising campaign in partnership with tour operators and increased PR, has seen an increase in bookings for travel in 2017 and 2018. With several hotels investing in upgrades and improvements in the 2nd half of 2017, we expect 2018 to be a strong year for revenue to the island. ”

Attendees included British Airways Holidays, Kenwood, and Western and Oriental.