TravelPulse has landed in Antigua, where our Quebec editorial director is fortunate enough to learn more about this small Caribbean island, which, unlike its sister Barbuda, was spared by the hurricanes of 2017.

During the one-week familiarization trip, several activities are planned, including hotel tours, snorkeling and visits to sugar cane plantations and national parks.

For the first day, a very representative taste of the destination was offered. On the lodging side, we could not ask for more than staying in a junior suite at the 4-star all-inclusive St. James's Club and Villas, located in Mamora Bay in St. Paul's Parish.

This family-friendly resort also has an adult-only section with a bar and a private pool, as well as a dedicated check-in section.

In terms of activities, we were treated to a very local welcome with the famous "Sunday Party and Barbecue" held at the famous Shirley's Heights restored military lookout at English Harbor, followed the day after by an excursion entitled "Discovery Tour" offered by Tropical Adventures.

Commissionable, the tour includes a historic guided tour of St. John's, the capital of Antigua, a visit to the Nelson's Dock Yard National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a visit to English Harbor, a lunch at the old Betty's Hope sugar cane plantation, a stop at Devil's Bridge and a swim in one of the destination's 365 beaches - in this case, Long Bay, a beautiful beach bordered by a reef and with clear water with multiple shades of blue.

A destination open to business year-round

"We have decided to organize this trip now, because we want to remind Canadians, who are a very important clientele for us, that Antigua and Barbuda, although a very small destination, is on the map", explained Raynel Carroll, marketing officer for the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Board.

"Since tourism is the main economic driver of the island, we are largely dependent on it, so we want to do our best to welcome and impress travelers."

"Recently, we launched a campaign called #whatcoollookslike to demonstrate that Antigua and Barbuda is an open year-round business destination, not just in the winter, as opposed to popular perception. We try to change this perception and let it be known that we are a cool year-round destination that offers different specials in different hotels and restaurants. Antigua and Barbuda, which is unique in its history and culture, is open 24/7, 365 days a year, as are its 365 beaches, "said Carroll, adding that she has noticed an increase in the number of Canadians visiting the destination this year.

She attributed the increase to Sunwing products, including the new Royalton Antigua Resort and Spa, which recently opened at Five Islands Village.

Ms. Carroll also pointed out that Barbuda, which was badly hit by hurricane Irma in 2017, and almost completely wiped off the map, was starting to recover fully and was fully prepared to welcome tourists.

In addition to Sunwing, Air Canada Vacations and WestJet also offer vacation packages to Antigua from Canada.

Keep reading us to find out more about the tourist offer in this island whose slogan is: "The beach is just the beginning!"