Agreement Paves The Way For Montserrat To Exploit Antigua's Tourist Arrivals

The Governments of Montserrat and Antigua on Tuesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to include passenger eco-excursions to Montserrat.

This would be part of the list of activities offered to cruise line clients who visit Antigua.

The MOU was signed in Antigua by the Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Premier, Daphne Cassell and the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism and Investment in Antigua Walter Christopher, on behalf of their respective Governments.  

The MOU will take effect from Wednesday, August 1st 2018 for a period of two years.   

Under the agreement, cruise lines that regularly visit Antigua will promote the 6 to 7 hours ‘Eco-excursion tour to the Caribbean Modern Day Pompeii’ on Montserrat along with a list of other excursions in Antigua.   

Mrs. Cassell said the signing of the MOU will be instrumental in advancing the Premier’s vision and the efforts of the Tourism Division for an established tourism partnership with Antigua and is expected to result in an increase in the number of day tour passengers to the island.    

Mr. Christopher noted that there has been a strong relationship between Montserrat and Antigua over the years.  

He said they will continue to facilitate this cooperative relationship between Montserrat and Antigua through this tourism partnership for eco tours to Montserrat.  

The excursions to Montserrat will be facilitated by the Montserrat Ferry Service which will be made available for this purpose, as required.  

The signing of the MOU follows recent discussions between Premier, the honourable Donaldson Romeo and Antigua’s Minister for Tourism, the Honorable Charles Henry Fernandez.   

On Thursday, July 26, Premier Romeo met with Mr. Fernandez to discuss actions and plans in train for partnerships in tourism between Antigua and Montserrat.