Agents get closer to Antigua with Blue Waters Resort

News / Hotels & Resorts

09-07-2016 11:00 am

Blake Wolfe

Blake Wolfe

Blake Wolfe is an award-winning journalist and editor, who joined PAX after nearly 10 years in Canada’s newspaper industry. In addition to PAX, his work has been featured in publications such as the Metroland Media group of newspapers and the Toronto Sun.

“It may feel hot today, but soon, summer will be over,” Tameka Wharton, sales and marketing manager at Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority told guests at Cibo Wine Bar in Toronto yesterday.

“And you know what that means… Booking season has begun! Cha-Ching, Cha-Ching!”

Indeed, the timing could not have been better for a reception introducing agents to the Blue Waters Resort & Spa, a luxury all-inclusive property located on the Northwest corner of Antigua.

The intimate luncheon, hosted by the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority for a select group of travel advisors, represented the beginning of Blue Waters’ first steps into the Canadian market, according to Graham Hawkins, global trade relations manager for Blue Waters Antigua.

“Canada is a new market to us,” he told PAX, “and we’re taking the first few steps toward growing it. That’s why we’re here, and we want Canadian agents to know we’ll support them in their bookings as best we can.”

Blue Waters Antigua, a family-owned, 17-acre property located in Antigua’s capital city of St. John’s, was established in 1960, and has a longstanding tradition of hospitality on the island. Boasting an enviable oceanfront spot with numerous Antigua and Barbuda attractions close at hand, Blue Waters identifies as a niche product ideal for affluent families, couples and intimate wedding parties (pro tip: rent out the exclusive Rock Cottage to enjoy a ceremony and reception complete with private beach and pool access).

“We understand that our properties are an integral part of what we do,” Wharton said to PAX when asked about partnering with Blue Waters Antigua for the exclusive event, which also showcased Antigua and Barbuda’s off-property must-do’s.

“Education is the key, so we’re making sure our agents know the destination, and that they’re well informed we’re much more than a bucket list destination; there’s so many different things to do in Antigua and Barbuda.”

Among the destination highlights were the new VIP service available at the recently renovated V.C. Bird International Airport, whereby agents can arrange fast track service for their clients with the help of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority; the famous party spot, D-Boat, and Stingray City.

“As the tagline says, the beach is just the beginning,” Wharton told guests.

As for Blue Waters Resort, while it may be new to the Canadian market, it came prepared; the evening ended with a giveaway for three nights at the property. The resort is also set up with an agent academy (bluewaters.net/agents), and a luxury FAM is presently being planned for the near future.

Blue Waters by the numbers…