The minister of tourism and civil aviation for Antigua has moved to reassure agents and clients that the Caribbean Island is a safe holiday destination following the killing of a British doctor honeymooning in Antigua on the 27th July.
Tourism is Antigua's main industry, accounting for over 60% of the nation’s gross domestic product and officials are obviously anxious about the effect this incident could have on future incomes. From January to April 2008, 37,406 UK residents took a holiday in Antigua.
The Honourable Harold Lovell said: "This isolated incident has deeply shocked our community and we wish to reassure visitors that Antigua and Barbuda is a safe destination.
I have full confidence in the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda who are conducting an extensive investigation."
Carrier, a travel company with over27 years' experience and recognised as one of the leaders in luxury travel have confirmed that they do not expect long-term bookings to be affected. Suzanne Walford, Carrier’s product manager for the Caribbean said:
"We have received a call from clients due to travel next month and have discussed with them the security arrangements in place at their hotel.
I think this will be viewed as an isolated incident as it is a very rare occurrence on Antigua. If the robbers are apprehended quickly this should restore confidence."
The incident at the Cocos Hotel, Valley Church was the 10th homicide to take place this year in the islands, yet the first visitor homicide in ten years, according to the Ministry of Antigua and Barbuda.
