The Antigua & Barbuda Tourism Authority has announced a significant increase in UK visitor arrivals for the first quarter of 2011. 

Latest figures from the Statistical Division of Ministry of Tourism show an increase of 13.74 per cent from January to March against the same period last year.

January and February yielded the highest increase showing that Antigua and Barbuda remains a sought after destination for winter sun, families and wedding and honeymoons.

Hilary Modeste, director of tourism for the UK & Europe commented: “We have launched a number of initiatives and activities to proactively support the trade and drive business.

“We are pleased by the momentum in visitor numbers and would like to thank the many travel agents that sell our destination.

“We expect to have a rebound year in 2011.”

The results highlight an increased interest in the destination which is reflected in Antigua and Barbuda’s growth performance reported by leading tour operators including mainstream and specialists.

Airlines with direct services have also reported that the first quarter has shown Antigua to have the largest growth in the Caribbean:

Katie Parsons, Caribbean product manager, Hayes & Jarvis, commented: “Antigua has been the best selling Caribbean island for Hayes & Jarvis over the past 12 months; registering sales well up on the previous year.

“We have also found that destination weddings have been more popular than ever in Antigua.”