New York, NY – September 16th, 2025 – Team members of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA) US team gathered for their annual weekend retreat from September 4 – September 6 2025, to review their activities over the past few months and strengthen their strategic goals ahead of the start of an intense period of sales and marketing initiatives across the destination’s largest source market.
The ABTA’s US Director of Tourism Dean Fenton used the opportunity to shower praises on the members of the team for going above and beyond in ensuring that the United States continues to register high performing figures, surpassing other markets and giving Antigua and Barbuda a competitive advantage over other destinations.
“Each of you should be extremely proud of yourselves. Our numbers continue to improve, and Antigua and Barbuda is now well positioned, due largely to your efforts, to achieve even greater success in the months ahead,” Fenton beamed.
The staff retreat has now become an essential tradition, giving the members of the team the opportunity to influence key decisions and be a meaningful part of the strategic direction of the U.S. office. The various nuances and challenges that arise from their efforts are fully addressed in an open and solution-oriented atmosphere.
Ultimately, the exercise gives ABTA US a competitive advantage in better serving industry partners across the board, while allowing the team to strategize on the most effective ways to showcase Antigua and Barbuda’s unique features to potential travelers
“This is always a crucial exercise for us,” stated Sales and Marketing Manager Norrell Joseph, emphasizing that “the retreat struck the perfect chord for our team as we set out on an ambitious campaign across the US market for our annual road shows.”
Several members of the team were singled out for their various contributions to Antigua and Barbuda’s phenomenal success in the US market.
Sales and Marketing Officers, Renee Ambrose and Sean Matthew, were awarded for their invaluable support as the latest additions to the team. Senior Business Development Manager Rod Hinds was awarded for consistently exceeding expectations while Sales Manager Norrell Joseph was recognized for his outstanding contribution and dedication to the Authority. Kim Essen received special appreciation for her years of dedication and for always leading by example.
Other members of the team in attendance at the retreat were Senior Business Development Manager, Strategic Partnerships Donyelle Bird-Browne, Business Development Manager – Yachting Devin Joseph, Sales and Marketing Officer Aliah Maginley, Marketing and Administrative Officer Carolyn Punter, Executive Assistant Marilyn Pires, Sales and Marketing Officer Andy Liburd and Advertising Consultant Wayne V. Lee Jr. from Wayne’s World Media.
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Maria Blackman
Marketing Communications Manager
Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority
T: 1 (268) 562 7600/464-7601
E: maria.blackman@visitaandb.com
