Comments on: Dundas: Improving Attractions Is Key To Increased Tourist Spending

By: Parent of Brooklyn Six

Parent of Brooklyn Six — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 10:07:37 +0000

Yes they’re all back to their jobs and or school. That whole mess was a big misunderstanding that affected the Antiguan people more than anyone else.My son has never been in trouble in his entire life(25yrs)not even in school or at home he does not even drink or have ant babies. He’s a mild mannered young man. the accusation did not fit his character. Thanks for your concern.

By: Obvious

Obvious — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 15:56:32 +0000

Thanks Mr. Dundas for stating the obvious.

Now how about some real suggestions as to what we need to improve to get more tourists to spend money here.

For example, accessibility for the physically challenged:

1) Make St. John’s, national parks, and all tourists attractions accessible to the physically challenged (better sidewalks with ramps, wheelchair ramps to access areas, hand rails, wider doors, etc).

2) The above would be a requirement for any tourism based duty free concessions.

3) Market Antigua to this group of people.

This would be a great differentiator for Antigua!

Why not develop the area of Perry Bay where the fishermen pull in? Put down some small local style buildings, fence, lighting, and landscape. Then rent them so that people can run small restaurants out of them. Or maybe other things relevant. Maps and flags of Antigua, fresh fish, fish souvenirs, fishing equipment, fishing tours, models of our boats? Who knows what might catch on? But it is certainly important to establish the infrastructure. Barbados has done an amazing job developing Oistins. I don’t think that we should copy their plan, but it seems to me to be a low cost way to develop our tourism product.

What about $5 tours of our bakeries? We have a wonderful and unique way of baking that we should preserve and nurture. The bakeries could make some extra cash, and tour operators and govt could make a little revenue for it.

By: Concerned

Concerned — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 11:38:47 +0000

Parent of the Brooklyn Six, how are the young people doing? Have they all returned to their daily lives?

By: Parent of Brooklyn Six

Parent of Brooklyn Six — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 11:20:43 +0000

Please do not hold Mr Dundus responsible for the incompetence of the Antiguan system. He did everything to make those Young people(brooklyn six) comfortable while they went through their horrific ordeal and we are grateful. Thanks again Mr dundus and the many people in Antigua that show them love ans support.

By: jump and wave

jump and wave — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 09:54:11 +0000

No, Mr Doofus,

CREATING attractions might produce revenue. Starting with a civilized police force and legal system.

Having predatory “Hunry Bird” taximen bringing tourists to litter strewn beaches populated with annoying vendors is not something which can be improved.

Just as the “city” where the cruise ships dock will not entice people who have spent money to to live, eat and enjoy entertainment on-ship, will not entice them to get off and enjoy the stench of St. Johns, and the thieves, derelicts and Antiguans who inhabit it.

The “Brooklyn Six” episode has exposed the world to the dangers of venturing off-ship in Antigua, and your on shore revenues are clearly showing the effects.

I would expect that most tourists on an Eastern Caribbean cruise will tour St. Marteen, and stay on board to enjoy the all-inclusive food, activities, and entertainment on board the ship, rater than risk life, limb and possible imprisonment on Antigua.