Antigua and Barbuda Strengthens MICE Push with SITE Membership

Observer News Desk
Antigua and Barbuda has joined the Society for Incentive Travel Excellence (SITE) as the Tourism Authority steps up efforts to attract more meetings, incentive travel, conferences and events business to the destination.
The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA) said its membership provides access to an international network of incentive travel professionals, industry knowledge and opportunities for collaboration. SITE operates in more than 90 countries and focuses on incentive travel, a key segment of the meetings, incentives, conferences and events (MICE) market.
The development follows the certification of ABTA Sales and Marketing Officer Andy Liburd, who became the authority’s first Certified Incentive Specialist after completing a training programme sponsored by the ABTA’s United States office. His accreditation also helped qualify the authority for SITE membership.
ABTA-US Director Dean Fenton said the move was an important part of the destination’s wider MICE strategy.
“Andy’s initiative in pursuing this opportunity, and the ABTA’s membership in SITE, provide a foundation for us to build greater awareness of Antigua and Barbuda as a destination for incentive travel,” Fenton said.
Tourism Minister Charles Fernandez described the development as an opportunity to broaden the country’s appeal beyond its traditional tourism offerings.
“Incentive travel presents valuable opportunities for Antigua and Barbuda to truly showcase the destination in ways that extend beyond our traditional tourism offerings. So, this is certainly a positive development,” Fernandez said.
Government Relations Manager in the Ministry of Tourism, Senator Angelica O’Donoghue, also congratulated Liburd, recalling his work as communications lead for the Fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS4).
“I have seen first-hand his commitment to delivering at a high level, and his understanding of the importance of effective communication in major projects,” O’Donoghue said.
The announcement was made as the ABTA held its annual strategy meeting at Blue Waters Hotel in Antigua.
Antigua and Barbuda was named the Caribbean’s Leading Meetings and Conference Destination at the World Travel Awards and has received nine nominations for the upcoming World MICE Awards. The country is also preparing to host the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in November.