The vexing issue of affordable and reliable intra-regional travel will be the focus of attention when the new LIAT CEO, Captain Ian Brunton, makes his maiden appearance at the region’s premier tourism gathering next week.

West Indians in Britain and Britons travelling to Antigua and other Caribbean destinations are being given the opportunity to bypass the UK’s controversial Air Passenger Duty – APD.

Despite the recent pronouncement of a brighter 2013 cruise tourism season, cruise tourism boss Nathan Dundas said Antigua & Barbuda is not yet out of the woods.

Tourism officials on Tuesday promised a better cruise season in 2013 with the return of Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines (RCCL) during the traditionally slow summer period.

Antigua & Barbuda and other Caribbean destinations are being warned by industry officials to brace for a decline in visitor spending, even as they predict a surge in visitor arrivals over the winter season.