TORONTO — The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority has unveiled a new and interactive mobile app that is in line with keeping with current health and safety protocols.

Created by Hashtag Communications, the Explore Antigua app features hotels, restaurants and bars as well as popular tourist attractions around the island and comes complete with a Google-integrated map for GPS navigation. It’s free to download in Google Play and Apple iOS stores and will be a key feature at all ports of entry, leading hotels, restaurants, bars and car rental companies.

Visitors and residents alike can access the technology through a simple QR Code scan or by visiting the relevant stores for direct download.

Since reopening its borders in June 2020, Antigua and Barbuda has seen a steady climb in visitor arrivals, with the return of some semblance of normalcy to the tourism business community. It is hoped that the new app will bring further comfort and freedom of movement throughout the island.

“The COVID-19 pandemic called for our tourism sector stakeholders to quickly adapt their business and make the most of digital technology in order to safely communicate their messages to travellers,” said Colin James, Chief Executive Officer of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority. “We congratulate Hashtag Communications on the development of this app, which will impact the way travellers navigate the country now and post-pandemic.”

According to Hashtag Communications’ Managing Director, Alex Holder, millennials and budget travellers in particular are expected to make use of the new technology.

“It is our hope that visitors, residents and businesses take full advantage of the platform,” he said. “The more the tracking system is used the more accurate our geolocation system becomes, which then makes it easier to find what you want, where you want, when you want.”