Antigua is attracting a growing number of British holidaymakers despite the temporary setback the island experienced last year following Hurricane Georges at the end of September.
UK tourism arrival figures for the end of 1998 show an increase of 57% over the same period in 1997 with 6,676 visitors travelling in November and December compared to 4,242 in the previous year.
Overall, the cumulative total for arrival figures from the UK for 1998 was level with 1997 57,500 in 98 as opposed to 57,737 in 1997.
“These figures show just how quickly Antigua and Barbuda got back on track following Hurricane Georges,” said Antigua and Barbuda UK tourist office director, Sandra Scotland.
The damage sustained by both the infrastructure and hotels was superficial, and we were able to make a swift recovery due to the immediate implementation of our hurricane preparedness plan. However, many hotels closed for short periods to tidy up and some tour operators switched clients to otherdestinations.
“We are delighted that November and December were such buoyant months and that the end of year figures were on a par with those of 1997 despite the passing of the hurricane,” added Scotland. “We look forward to 1999 being an even better year.”