AHTA chairman: Antigua tourism requires better management

The Chairman of the Antigua Hotels and Tourism Association declared that better management of Antigua tourism sector is necessary to attract more tourists

Alex DeBrito, head of AHTA, demanded better monitoring and supervision of hotel investors to make sure the industry operators are able to provide high-quality services to foreign visitors, as many of the country's three and four stars hotel are being upgraded to meet the desired standards, while some of them are still not properly prepared for welcoming guests.

He also advised the local traveling industry officials to closely observe successful tourism markets in order to develop similar results for their country.

“Some of the rooms need to be refurbished, improved. We need to have attractive mid-range hotels, with good rates which could attract more people.

“Of course we are monitoring, and do as much as we can. Properties are private, so when somebody invests in Antigua, it is for all of us to ensure we are on top of things. I think it is time now to get back to strict supervision and be more demanding.

“In the past, to have a nice beach, nice people, sea and sun shining every day was enough, not anymore, we have competition”, DeBrito declared.

According to the chairman's opinion, Antigua's problems that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) highlighted to affect the country's tourism marketing need to be addressed by all stakeholders, by all means.