World Tourism Day is Sunday September 27 and to mark the occasion, the Ministry of Tourism will be holding its first ?Staycations Expo.?

The event, which will highlight the nation?s sites and activities of interest, is slated for September 26 at the Multipurpose Cultural Centre from 9 am to 6 pm.

?Vacations can be expensive for individuals who are now operating on a tight budget due to the world economic situation, especially with travel costs, hotels, restaurants and activity fees, and one way to keep the fun without so much expense is to have a ?staycation?,? Communications Officer within the Ministry of Tourism Samoya Kirby said. ?Staying close to home means you save money on travel costs.?

The ?Staycations Expo? will feature the diverse tourism product offered in Antigua & Barbuda via booth displays of promotional information on properties, tours, excursions, and entertainment for locals.

Locals are being encouraged to partake in the days? activities by browsing the booths, sampling culinary delights and enjoying light entertainment while taking advantage of the low-cost vacation packages that will be offered for singles, couples, and family getaways.

Already, a number of properties have been confirmed for participation in this inaugural activity, namely Sandals Antigua, Jolly Beach, Blue Waters, Carlisle Bay, The Very Intimate Properties, Sub Cat Antigua, On Deck, Tropical Adventures, Stingray City, and South Coast Horizons.

Registration is currently ongoing at the Ministry of Tourism headquarters on Queen Elizabeth Highway for a minimal fee of $50 ECD.