ST. JOHN'S, Antigua -- Despite a "rough first 10 days" following
the terrorist attacks on the U.S., bookings at Antigua Resorts are
"back on track and getting stronger and stronger every day," said a
spokeswoman for the resort group.
Also, future bookings are looking "extremely solid and we expect
a strong November and holiday season," she added.
Antigua Resorts consists of Jolly Harbour, Galley Bay, Royal
Antiguan and St. James's Club in Antigua, along with Palm Island in
the Grenadines.
After suffering revenue losses of approximately $50,000 per day
for 10 days, Rob Barrett, chairman of Antigua Resorts, said his
company had to cut its 1,200-person staff by 400 employees.
While no property closures are planned, the employee reductions
affected line staff and members of management.
In the works for Antigua Resorts is a marketing and promotional
campaign that is aimed at agents and tour operators and will focus
on the five properties.
The trade campaign will launch in the next few weeks; consumer
ad campaigns are scheduled for Nov. 1.
In related news, Antigua and Barbuda, along with the tourism
sectors on the islands, will mount a joint marketing campaign to
"get tourism back on track," said David Fernandez, U.S. director of
tourism for Antigua & Barbuda.
The government also will offer incentives to the airlines
serving the island, including American Airlines and US Airways.
The incentives could include lower landing fees and marketing
promotions, Fernandez said.