Tourism minister outlines development plans for the sector

Tourism Minister Asot Michael will be wrapping up talks with tourism stakeholders in Canada and the US this weekend.

According to an official press release, Michael and his team met with representatives from the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) in Fort Lauderdale, Florida Travel Trade during his trip this past week.

While in Florida, the minister announced plans for the cruise tourism sector. He said the government will begin dredging and sweeping channels and turning basins before the 2015 tourism season, and that the ministry plans to transform the Point area into a vibrant economic zone by adding a boardwalk, shops and restaurants, and a hotel.

“This will be a boon to cruise ship passengers who venture to our shores,” he said.

The tourism minister also informed the cruise executives of plans to make Nelson’s Dockyard part of a new economic development zone. According to the minister, this zone will encourage very low-density winter housing similar to the yacht and boat basins around Sardinia close to the Italian mainland.

A representative from the FCCA reportedly said the company is prepared to work with the government in ensuring that the plans are realised.

“We are excited about these plans and will do all within our means to work with your administration to make them become a reality,” one FCCA official is reported to have said.

The tourism minister also met with officials from WestJet and Air Canada Vacations, as well as press executives in Toronto. He said the existing relationship between Antigua and the Canadian carrier has been mutually beneficial and that he was seeking to strengthen the bond.