February 8, 2009 (St. John's, Antigua) - Destination promotions are in full gear in New York, as the Antigua and Barbuda US Tourist Office stepped up its efforts to promote the accommodations, attractions, produce and other unique selling points of the twin-island nation, during the New York Times Travel Show at the Jacob Javitz Convention Center, over the weekend (February 6 to 8).

The New York Times Travel Show is one of the largest consumer travel shows in the Northeast United States. The event featured more than 2000 exhibitors and attracted more than 25,000 consumers who were interested in planning a vacation.

Tourism Officer, Dean Fenton, who headed the team effort, hailed the event a huge success. "This group of avid travelers was very receptive to our promotional efforts and display of local talent. In these trying times we have to step up our promotional efforts. We received a lot of positive feedback on Mount Obama, and it is very clear that this will be a very important complement to our existing attractions."

According to Fenton, "travel agents, media professionals and consumers could feel the warmth and tranquility of the destination and commented that the display was among the most vibrant and festive that they had seen in the Caribbean Pavilion."

The dynamic US Tourism team that has developed a reputation for its creativity hosted a "Tea-licious Tea Tasting" that highlighted the culture, cuisine and couture of the destination. The promotion featured Chef Deon Jeffers, an accomplished Antiguan sous chef currently employed at the prestigious Intercontinental Hotel in Mid Manhattan.

Renowned, Antiguan designer, Calvin Southwell also created an authentic display to complement the promotions. Southwell is currently completing studies at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York.

The Tourism team, joined by representatives from Jolly Beach, Sandals, Hermitage, The Inn and Lighthouse Bay in Barbuda invited consumers to learn more about the destination and to sample a variety of freshly brewed teas and island delicacies. These included the "Mount Obama Infusion" that featured herbs, spices and produce from the destination. The team also distributed promotional materials and exciting giveaways including specially bottled "Mount Obama Water", served with Antiguan black pineapple from the Cades Bay Agricultural Center near Mount Obama.

The US Team expects to put on an encore performance in two weeks when they attend the Boston Globe Travel Show.