The Antigua & Barbuda Tourism Authority in partnership with influencer specialist Traverse, is set to host the Caribbean’s largest influencer conference, from April 30 – May 5 2018.

For the conference, the term ‘influencer’ will encompass bloggers, YouTubers, Instagrammers and professional photographers, all with high engagement and interaction in their market.

Antigua and Barbuda Minister of Tourism, The Honourable Charles Fernandez said, “The goal of the conference is to create a social buzz around Antigua and what the island offers visitors, as well as encourage the circulation of new photo and video content from these carefully selected influencers, to encourage visitation with new audiences.”

The destination has begun to welcome the 40 influencers, with groups from the UK, Europe, US, Canada and other areas of the Caribbean, arriving this weekend for a week of interactive workshops, events and island exploration.

Cherrie Osborne, Director of Tourism UK & Europe at Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority who arrived with the group from the UK, Europe, USA and the Caribbean, today, April 28, 2018 says, “We are thrilled to be the first Caribbean island to host a large scale influencer conference. As social media is now one of the most powerful ways that consumers determine holiday choices, we want to create a buzz socially about Antigua. This will enable us to reach new audiences and develop inspiring and trustworthy user generated content that encourages bookings.”

The conference will have an overarching theme of wellness and mindfulness through its speakers, activities and events.

Over the week, there will be two half day conferences with speakers from the US and Europe. The speakers will host inspiring talks and interactive workshops on how the influencers can improve their business. There will also be plenty of time to explore the island and its amazing excursions, be involved in Antigua Sailing Week with a Chase the Race excursion and a chance to experience some of Antigua’s most iconic events such as Shirley Height’s Sunday Sunset Party.

The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority is partnering with Elite Island Resorts throughout the week with influencers staying in the group’s hotels. As well as its hotels, Elite is also offering its new Caribbean Choir Workshop, consisting of training sessions with vocal coach Mike King, linked to using voice as a practise of wellness. One of the UK’s leading contemporary vocal coaches, Mike has previously worked as a vocal coach on The Voice UK and with various international artists, including Mark Ronson, Boy George, Lily Allen and Florence Welch.