ST. JOHN’S, Antigua – The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA) on Thursday announced a major partnership with broadcaster BBC which will feature the twin-island nation in the first full episode of the hit reality business documentary series The Apprentice – a development that tourism officials are hoping will pay off for future visitor arrivals.
Set to premiere in the UK on BBC on Thursday, the new season will have contestants compete to become the next business partner of Lord Alan Sugar, one of the UK’s foremost business magnates whilst competing on the island in a series of tourism tasks.
Airing on the BBC to tie into the peak holiday booking season, the show will ensure Antigua and Barbuda is front of mind for millions of British travelers tuning in when making their holiday decisions for the year ahead, and beyond, the ABTA said.
“There is a lot of excitement for Antigua and Barbuda amongst viewers of the show who have spotted the teaser and recognized the destination,” said Minister of Tourism and Investment Charles Fernandez.
“Our welcoming people, warm weather, turquoise waters, fantastic cultural sites, amazing restaurants, and unique experiences are going to be splashed across television screens in homes throughout the UK. The highly anticipated first episode for the season is fully dedicated to Antigua and Barbuda. Most importantly, it is airing during a peak booking period which is ideal for us, as we aim to attract travellers thinking of escaping the cold.
“This is a huge promotion to start off the year and is the momentum that we will continue to build on as we promote Antigua and Barbuda throughout 2023.”
Minister of Tourism and Investment Charles Fernandez.
Staying at the Royalton Antigua, a total of 65 crew, talent and contributors spent four days on the island shooting in April last year. The contestants were tasked with promoting island tours and excursions, with the winning team being whoever made the most profit.
The hour-long episode features many local businesses and locations, from Rum tasting at Shirley Heights with Quin Farara Wine & Spirits to Panache Steel Orchestra pan lessons within the Nelson’s Dockyard National Park, Antigua Yacht Club Marina, Dickenson Bay, Beachlimerz, Tropical Adventures Catamaran, Cedars Pottery and Heritage Quay.
“We are absolutely delighted to share the culmination of years of planning and hard work and would like to thank all our partners who worked together to make this partnership a reality,” said Cherrie Osborne, Director of Tourism UK & Europe for the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority.
“After two years of travel restrictions tourism has never been more important, and so inspiring travel to Antigua and Barbuda is not only a top priority for the Tourism Authority, but imperative to the islands’ successful growth and rebound. Antigua and Barbuda will star in one of the UK’s most popular TV shows and this exciting episode will be sure to inspire millions of British travelers to visit the destination for years to come.”
