The twin island nation of Antigua and Barbuda has been named ‘Best Wedding Island of the Year’ for the second year running in the 12th annual International Caribbean World Awards. The award will be presented on 9th November at a lavish ceremony hosted by the TV presenter, Gigi Morley, and BBC’s Dermot Murnaghan at the Four Season’s Hotel in London.

Carol Hay, Director of Marketing UK & Europe for the Antigua and Barbuda Tourist Office comments: “We are delighted to receive this award for the second year running and to be recognised again as the island of choice for getting married in the Caribbean. This award is a result of ongoing marketing and agent training and we look forward to continuing this success.”

The International Caribbean World Awards recognise excellence in travel throughout the Caribbean region and are voted for by the magazine and its readers.

Antigua and Barbuda offer an exceptionally stunning setting to say ‘I do’ and with a wide array of accommodation available ranging from designer hotels and all-inclusive luxury resorts, to romantic hideaways in idyllic secluded coves together with a wide selection of dedicated wedding packages on offer, these picturesque islands provide the perfect place to wed or honeymoon.

In addition to this prestigious award 2006 has seen many more accolades streaming in for Antigua and Barbuda.  The sister island nation has been voted 4th in the American Express Travel ‘Top 10 Wedding Destinations’ list, up from the 8th spot last year, and has entered the ‘Top 10 Honeymoon Destinations’ list in 5th place.

Carlisle Bay came in 2nd place in the ‘Americas & Caribbean’ section of the ‘Overseas Leisure Hotels’ category and scored highest with standard and comfort of accommodation overall. Carlisle Bay also featured in the 2nd annual Condé Nast Traveller Gold List in the ‘Best for Rooms’ section.

In July 2006, Antigua saw off strong competition to be voted by editors of www.expedia.co.uk as Number One in the ‘Top 10 Beach Destinations’ list. The list also included three other Caribbean islands, making Antigua and Barbuda the top islands of choice for a holiday in the Caribbean. In addition, www.expedia.co.uk listed Antigua’s Jolly Beach Resort 6th in its list of ‘Top 10 Family All-Inclusive Hotels’.

At the recent World Travel Awards 2006, held in Turks & Caicos, Blue Waters Hotel won ‘Antigua and Barbuda’s Leading Hotel’, Sandals Grand Antigua Resort & Spa secured ‘Antigua and Barbuda’s Leading Spa Resort’ and Jumby Bay was named ‘Antigua and Barbuda’s Leading Resort’.

Antigua and Barbuda has also received two nominations in Selling Long Haul’s 2006 Travel Awards - ‘Best UK Based Tourist Office Promoting an Island’ and ‘Best Travel Agent Training Programme’.

——-