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How sports cancellations have impacted bookmakers

Sam Allcock
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How sports cancellations have impacted bookmakers

The spread of the global pandemic has led to the cancellations of a number of sporting events across the world. The most major of these are for example the Euro 2020, the Premier League as well as all other footballing leagues in Western Europe and the cancellation of the ATP Tour. Even the Summer Olympics have been postponed as of right now, so these have been very difficult times for bookmakers in general. Without the sporting events themselves then there is nothing for people to bet on and betting companies like Betvictor become somewhat redundant in such a situation.

There have thus been a number of consequences from the cancellation of sporting events for gambling companies.

Moving Online

One such consequence is a move online. Many people have moved to online casinos as a way to satisfy all of their betting desires and have simply exchanged the football pitches for roulette tables and the tennis courts for blackjack tables. There has been increased activity on poker clients that the main providers have reported.

People are basically replacing their desire to bet on the sporting events with a desire to bet on the craps or blackjack table. Slots and casinos have also proven to be popular during this lockdown, as they can provide entertainment at any time of the day, with everything outside of the game irrelevant once you start playing.

A separate consequence from the covid-19 pandemic is an increased interest in sports or places that were not considered points of interest before the spread of the virus. The Belarussian Premier League has skyrocketed in popularity, as it started when no other football was on, going from a position where no-one in the UK could name a single Belorussian team to a conversation about Belorussian football being unsurprising in a matter of weeks. TV channels from all over the world including countries such as the Netherlands, France, Spain and the United Kingdom battled in order to be able to broadcast the football. Tipsters are doubling their research into the league, proving that the desire to watch football transpires the Premier League, and even the United Kingdom in general, or whichever country. People will watch and bet on Belorussian football because people love watching football and gambling.

Brick and mortar betting shops are faring less well in this pandemic, although this is to be expected. Another consequence of the cancellation of the sporting events could be the creation of a bubble. When sport does eventually return, more and more people will be wanting to bet, and the markets could be flooded. Whether this will transpire or not is impossible to predict but it is not outside the realm of possibility.

Most companies are reporting losses as of right now however, with William Hill declaring that they could lose up to 110 million pounds because of the cancellation of various sporting events. This will be a similar figure for the big betting companies, and most people in the world are massively impatient for the return of sport. Life is not the same without it.

5 Ways To Earn A Passive Income

Sam Allcock
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0
5 Ways To Earn A Passive Income

Do you want to earn a passive income? This can be a terrific way to boost your finances because, as the name implies, you do not have to put in any work once the initial action has been taken. Of course, this also means that you can easily set up multiple passive income streams, which can make a significant impact on your financial situation and could help you to achieve your goals without having to put too much graft in. There are many different ways to earn a passive income, some of which are stable while others can fluctuate, so you may want to combine a few.

1. Investing

Investing is often what people think of first when it comes to a passive income, and this is for a good reason. Investing can be a brilliant way to earn money with very little effort put in, but there will always be a risk, which is why you need to diversify, only invest what you can afford to lose, research, and know when to walk.

2. High-Interest Savings Account

A high-interest savings account is a smart idea for your personal finances as it allows you to steadily increase your savings. Keep in mind that the accounts with the best rates usually have rules surrounding access, so you will need to think about how much you can afford to tuck away into these accounts and always have some easily accessible money.

3. Rental Property

If you can afford it, purchasing a property and renting it out can be an excellent way to build wealth. Being a landlord can require some work, but you can find a property management company to handle this for you (although this will be at a cost).

4. Affiliate Marketing

If you have a website, then affiliate marketing can be a smart way to earn a passive income. Essentially, this involves promoting products/services on your website and then earning a commission from sales made. This enables you to earn a share of the profits without putting any real work in, and if you can attract many visitors to your website, then you can earn a fair amount of money each month. You can find out more by reading this Top 10 Affiliate Marketing Programs guide.

5. Rent Out Assets

You can earn money by renting out the assets that you own. This is something that has become more popular in recent times with the rise of Air BnB, car-sharing and the gig economy, so you could earn a healthy income stream by renting out a spare room, your car, parking space, storage or anything else that you have that people might get use out of.

These are a few of the best ways that you can earn a passive income, and combining these could transform your financial situation and entire life. People always want to earn more money, but this can be challenging when you already have a full-time job, so a passive income stream is ideal, and you might be surprised at just how much you can earn.

Building a Budget? Don’t Forget About These 6 Commonly Forgotten Categories

Claire James
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Building a Budget? Don’t Forget About These 6 Commonly Forgotten Categories

How’s your budget looking? Do you have a few general categories, or do you have it broken down into detailed lists to help track your money? When creating a budget, the more detailed you can get, the easier it is to see where your money is going and how you can keep more in your pocket.

As the months go by, we often add more categories to our budget. Why? It’s easy to forget the ones you don’t use as often, or they just slip the mind. The downfall is when you remember them, it can throw your entire budget out of whack.

When building your budget, we have six categories that are often forgotten about.

Vehicle Oil Changes

Now, if you don’t have a vehicle, then this category can get disregarded. However, if you drive, then you won’t want to forget this one. This category is easy to miss because it’s not one you use every month. The bonus of adding in an oil change category is it can be a reminder when it’s time to get one.

Life Insurance

Even if you don’t have life insurance right now, it’s still a category to add in (because it’s in your best interest to get some). Budget for your monthly premiums and life insurance creditor protection.

Veterinarian Bills

Even our furry friends get sick and need medical attention, and when that happens, you’ll be glad you budgeted for it. Veterinarian bills can add up very quickly, especially if your pet needs surgery or medication. If your pet doesn’t need this extensive of care, there still is the annual checkup and shots you’ll have to pay for.

Medical Bills

Speaking of medical bills, do you have a budget for your own? Maybe you only get sick once a year or visit the doctor regularly, having this budget will help you prepare for possible medical bills (including any prescriptions).

Presents

Rather than squeezing in these random purchases into a miscellaneous category or entertainment, have a separate section for gift purchases. Birthdays, Christmas, Valentine’s Day, anniversaries – these are only a few of the times you’re likely to buy a present.

Emergency Fund

Do you have an emergency fund? If not, it’s time to add this category to your budget. Your emergency fund is money you set aside for what the name suggests, an emergency. It could be an unexpected expense or losing your job. Whatever the reason, that money is there to help you out in tight situations. Just don’t forget to budget for it.

What can you do if you have a random expense pop up that you didn’t budget for? You can mix it into your monthly budget in a few ways. One, you could take from another category to keep everything balanced. That way, you won’t necessarily go over and can keep on track.

Another option is to dip into the emergency fund mentioned above. However, if this becomes a common occurrence, then it’s a good idea to re-evaluate your budget. Don’t forget to put money back into the fund if you use it.

Key Questions to ask a Bridging Loan Broker

ABC Staff
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Key Questions to ask a Bridging Loan Broker

To ensure that you get the best possible deal on your bridging loan, independent broker support is essential, however, this does not mean that all brokers offer the same range of services and products.

Whether contacting a lender directly or using a broker it is essential to ask the right questions from the outset.

The following are the five most important questions to ask, prior to getting your bridging finance application underway:

  • Is a bridging loan the most suitable option for my requirements?

First and foremost, a responsible broker will never exclude other potential funding options from the equation. It is the responsibility of your broker to talk you through the various options available, in order to ensure that bridging finance is the right choice for you. 

If it is determined that bridging loans are not the best choice for your requirements, you should be informed as such during the initial consultation. Where a broker refuses outright to discuss alternative funding options, they may not have the applicant’s best interests in mind.

  • What security do I need to qualify for bridging finance?

The security being offered will determine whether a bridging loan is possible and to some degree, the rate of interest.

Even if you are looking to purchase or refinance an uninhabitable or a non-standard property or land with/without planning permission, a good broker will advise you on the available funding options and appropriate lenders.

  • What are your upfront fees?

Under no circumstances is it advisable to work with a broker that charges upfront fees without performing any work. Any fees and when payable should be clearly listed in the brokers initial documentation.

Most reputable independent brokers collect commissions from the lenders and many also charge a separate fee for the achievement of certain milestones.

  • Are there any additional fees for early repayment?

This is an important question to ask as there is every likelihood you will find yourself in a position where you can repay your loan early. Most reputable lenders encourage early repayment, which can bring borrowing costs down to an absolute minimum for the applicant, however, some lenders have a penalty for early repayment and the borrower will incur percentage-based charges for those looking to repay their loans early. 

This should be clearly listed from the outset and discussed with your broker before commencing with an application. 

  • Can I still qualify for bridging finance if I already have a mortgage?

The short answer to this question should be yes, as bridging finance can be offered in the form of a second charge loan, first charge loan or a combination of the two. It may however be necessary to obtain the approval of your existing mortgage provider before the bridging loan can be funded.  Your broker and/or solicitor can help with this part.

Discussing any outstanding loans and debts you already have with your broker is important, in order to ensure you get the best possible deal on your bridging loan and pass the lender’s eligibility checks.

For more information on any of the above or to discuss your requirements in more detail, contact a member of the team at UK Bridging Loans today on 0333 3225544.

The High Cost of Poor Cyber Security in the UK

Sam Allcock
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The High Cost of Poor Cyber Security in the UK

In 2018, the British NHS fell victim to a financially crippling cyber attack. The WannaCry ransomware incident cost an excruciating 92 million Sterling; certainly a high price to pay for an event that was entirely preventable. A Members of Parliament report that was produced after the attack occurred noted that all 200 of the NHS hospital and other health services investigated failed cyber security checks.

But it is not only large public institutions that are at risk. Enterprise businesses and smaller businesses alike are equally targeted by threat actors. In regards to the former, cyber attack costs ran at £34 billion according to a report by the Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR). The costs calculated included revenue and intellectual property loss and the increased cyber security spend.

Less easy to quantify are the reputational losses companies pay and the subsequent and ongoing loss of clientele. According to a Forrester study of both UK and US companies, 38 per cent indicated they had lost business because of security issues while 44 per cent of UK consumers state that they would not return to a business after a breach.

On top of these costs, there is also the matter of regulatory fines. Failing to adhere to cyber security mandates is an expensive and foolhardy mistake, as British Airways found out first hand when the national carrier ran foul of GDPR regulations.

Business owners reading this who assume their small company will fly under the radar may need to think again. As reported in Forbes, small businesses represent “prime targets,” precisely because would-be attackers assume poor cyber defences. Unfortunately, they are often correct. One report from security provider Carbon Black showed that 88 per cent of UK companies suffered a data breach in the past year, proving that cyber attacks aren’t so much a question of if, but rather when.

Perhaps the worst thing about a small to medium sized business being hit by an attack is that many companies never financially recover and are forced to shut down.

Given the high costs involved when a cyber attack hits its target, there is a very sound argument for a greater investment in cyber security measures from the get go. The initial financial outlay of a solid security strategy is more than worth it, particularly considering both the ever-increasing threat level and dynamic nature of modern cyber attacks.

With that in mind, below are some actionable ways for UK companies to mitigate the risk and bolster their digital defences.

Employee Education & Ongoing Training

Threat actors frequently rely upon human foibles to land their attacks. Common methods, such as phishing, utilise employees to infiltrate a company’s systems. While most staff will be aware of the risk of opening a link in an odd-looking email, they may not be as cautious as needed.

Well-executed social engineering attacks are cleverly put together. Forget about emails from the twice-removed cousin of the Prince of Nigeria, today’s threats are far more sophisticated. To mitigate the risk of phishing, among other attack vectors, businesses should run regular cyber security workshops for all employees, not just those involved in IT. If the company’s systems or procedures change, more training is necessary.

In addition, a general culture of cyber security should be in place. Make sure each staff member knows that day-to-day security is their job as much as it is the IT department’s prerogative.

Testing & Checks

It’s not enough to assume that cyber security measures are working well, instead, companies should hire security experts to carry out penetration testing and check for vulnerabilities in the company’s network and systems.

This is of even greater importance if the business engages in any form of e-commerce as plug-ins and payment portals are frequently targeted. Likewise, companies that handle a large amount of client data are attractive targets as personal information is easily sold for profit on criminal forums.

Invest in Security Solutions

Companies should have the following tools in place as standard:

  • Enterprise-level firewall
  • DNS protection
  • Antivirus
  • Antimalware
  • Email scanner
  • VPN encryption

With regards to the VPN, another option is to secure the company’s whole wifi network, and any connected devices, with a VPN router. Then, any device connected to the network is protected. For individual staff members working at home thanks to the COVID crisis, a VPN to protect your devices is one of the best ways to ensure your data transmissions to company systems are encrypted.

The cost of cyber crime is high. To mitigate the risks, and the accompanying financial burden, companies should take cyber security very seriously indeed. The steps above in conjunction with good digital hygiene practice can make all the difference.

Quickbooks Hosting Features for Contractors

Sam Allcock
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Quickbooks Hosting Features for Contractors

QuickBooks Enterprise Contractor has proven to be one of the best accounting software packages for businesses in the construction line. QuickBooks Enterprise Contractor tries to make accounting and operational tasks simple for firms that work on contract-based projects. The software also comes loaded with important tools for tracking and reporting, cash flow in the business. QuickBooks Enterprise Cloud Hosting aims to simplify the accounting process and automate company-specific tasks. The Contractor edition of QuickBooks Enterprise offers the following features:

Manage project cost:

​If there is a change in project specifications, you can use the job costing centre to keep track of the cost effects and ensure that company stays in profit despite project changes. The user can also use the job costing centre to get a quick idea of how much he has spent so far on the current status of the work. Gather data on estimates, actual amounts, bank reports, and changes in prices of materials, into one powerful analytic tool.

Manage workflow:

One key factor that defines success in the contract business is the skill to deploy both office and technical staff to work efficiently on projects. Contractor Edition of QuickBooks makes this easier as managers can keep a record of both the technical and office staff. Contractor edition helps to grant access to 1 to 40 users simultaneously to your work-related files via cloud hosting.

Company-specific reporting tools:

Every organization has a different format for generating reports. As a contractor, the user will find a handful of reporting formats that you can choose from. With QuickBooks Enterprise Contractor, you can also customize your reports to fulfil your unique needs.

Salary for your workers:

​Use QuickBooks Enhanced Payroll tool to make straight deposits into your workers’ bank accounts. You can also create n number of cheques you need. Generate W-2s and file workers’ taxes all by yourself without incurring extra costs for these features. The payroll system is well-organized and saves you valuable time.

No technical knowledge needed:

QuickBooks products have a simple user interface and it can be used by any person. Once the user is familiarised with the software, it becomes very easy to use it. Service providers also offer technical assistance to the clients anytime they need help.

New improved features:

​Intuit continues to add new and exciting features to QuickBooks Enterprise Contractor. There is has been lots of upgrades since 2015. The user can expect more features that would help boost the business. Often it is observed that when companies opt for QuickBooks hosting, they also go for Office 365 Online as it involves a simple process of IMAP migration to Office 365.

Want to boost your business and improve your company’s profit? 

By opting for Apps4Rent as your QuickBooks hosting provider, you get all the advanced cloud features with best-in-class security, guaranteeing business continuity. Apps4Rent is also an expert in providing virtual desktop services. To get Azure Windows Virtual Desktop Pricing contact us today!

Cryptocurrency Trading Tips for Beginners

Sam Allcock
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Cryptocurrency Trading Tips for Beginners

Cryptocurrency trading has been steadily rising in popularity for a while, and this is for good reason because it can be an excellent way for people to build wealth and improve their financial situation. Despite this, many people are struggling when it comes to cryptocurrency trading, and this is largely because they do not have the knowledge of how it works and how to make the best decisions (much like with regular investing). With this in mind, here are a few essential cryptocurrency trading tips for beginners, which should help you to find some early success and build confidence in your abilities as a trader.

  • Understand Cryptocurrency

As with any type of investing, you must always have a strong knowledge of what you are putting your money into, but this is something that many people struggle with when it comes to cryptocurrency as it is relatively new and can be complicated. Therefore, you need to spend some time learning about cryptocurrency and what is involved in this type of trading before you get started.

  • Start Off Small

As with any type of trading, it is a good idea to start off small while you get to grips with how it works. It is also essential that you never invest what you can afford to lose so that you do not end up chasing losses, which can be a slippery slope. There will always be an element of risk, but if you only invest what you can afford to lose and use stop losses, it should not interfere with your personal finances.

  • Diversify

Diversification is intelligent with any type of investing as it can mitigate risk and will hopefully see small but regular returns. Cryptocurrency is a volatile market, so putting money into the most stable coins is smart, and you could then experiment with putting a little into some fewer stable coins but with the potential for high returns.

  • Use Software to Automate Decisions

A great beginner’s tip (and one that many experienced traders use) is to use trading software, which will scour the market and automate decisions to help you achieve your goals. This is a great way to start trading once you have set up your parameters, and you should start seeing returns immediately, which is always a plus.

  • See Mistakes as Learning Opportunities

Everyone makes the occasional mistake when it comes to any type of investment. Still, the best investors will not throw in the towel or have their confidence knocked as they will simply see it as a learning opportunity instead. Think about what went wrong, why it went wrong, and what you could do in the future to avoid this mistake. The internet is an excellent resource for learning more about trading, and many helpful communities can answer your questions and provide tips.

These tips should help any beginner to learn the ropes and get started with trading cryptocurrencies. There will always be a risk as with any type of investing, but it can also be a great way to build wealth and improve your financial situation.

Cannabis seeds: the little power-seeds

Sam Allcock
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Cannabis seeds: the little power-seeds

Many trendy foods
are quickly named “superfood”. However, cannabis seeds have truly
earned this title. We will explain to you the positive effects these small
powerhouses have on your body and your health.

On the other hand,
if you wish to collect some of the most acclaimed cannabis seeds such as OG
Kush, White widow seeds or other famous BSF Seeds, you can now find the best weed seeds online
on SensorySeeds.com.

The small,
brown-green cannabis seeds 

They are small
nutlets and closely with the hops used. The cannabis seeds have a nutty, sweet
taste and are reminiscent of sesame.

Unpeeled seeds
have a slightly bitter aftertaste due to the bitter substances in the skin, but
they have more valuable ingredients than peeled ones.

The fact that the
cannabis plant can be used in many ways was recognized 10,000 years ago in
ancient Asia. Especially in Egypt and China, the seeds were an essential part
of the diet and herbal medicine.

In India, Germany,
Greece and Iraq, the cultivation of industrial hemp can be proven in earlier
times.

Cannabis
seeds don’t get you high

To anticipate any
concerns, those who eat cannabis seeds will not get high. For the food industry,
crops are bred that do not contain the intoxicating agent tetrahydrocannabinol
(THC).

For the seeds to
be consumed safely, it is legally stipulated that they must not exceed a THC
content of 0.2%. Tested cannabis and hemp seeds are therefore THC-free.

Cannabidiol is
another legal active-ingredient in industrial hemp, can have a slightly
sedating effect in large quantities on people who are particularly sensitive to
cannabinoids.

Cannabis
is healthy

Along with quinoa
and soy, hemp is one of the few plant sources that can meet the human protein
needs. For vegetarians, vegans and people with conscious meat consumption,
cannabis seeds are a plant-based alternative to supply their body with
sufficient proteins.   

They contain all
the essential amino acids that humans need for life because the body cannot
produce essential amino acids on its own but has to absorb the proteins through
its diet.

The organism then
converts the amino acids into endogenous proteins. These are essential for body
growth, metabolic processes, muscle building, the production of messenger
substances, enzymes and hormones – in short: They ensure that everything in our
body runs smoothly.

Hemp
protein is very similar to the human one

Besides, the human
body can digest and process the plant-based hemp seed protein very well.
Because 60% of the vegetable protein consists of edestin, which is very similar
to human blood plasma. It makes it easier for our organism to convert the
protein into immunoglobulin, which maintains our defense mechanisms.

The component
albumin, which stimulates the production of antibodies, also boosts the immune
system. The amino acids also have a vasodilating effect and have a detoxifying
effect.

Cannabis
seeds are ideal suppliers of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids

Another advantage
of hemp is healthy fatty acids. There are two fatty acids in large quantities
that play an essential role in the body’s immune response.

Cannabis seeds
provide omega-6 and omega-3 in a healthy 3: 1 ratio.

For comparison, in
our diet, the two fatty acids should ideally be represented at < 5: 1.

Omega-6 and
Omega-3 stimulate cell regeneration and ensure that we are physically and
mentally efficient, and muscles are built up quickly. That is why cannabis
seeds are an ideal nutritional component for athletes.

Gamma-linolenic
acid: a rare and healthy fatty acid

In cannabis seeds,
there is a speciality among the fatty acids: gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). This
unsaturated omega-6 fatty acid is only found in significant quantities in evening
primrose oil, pomegranate seed oil, spirulina, black currant and borage seed
oil.

In interaction
with vitamins B3, B6 and C, GLA creates a tissue hormone that has many positive
effects: It has an anti-inflammatory effect, lowers blood pressure, dilates
blood vessels and reduces cholesterol.  

Cannabis
against symptoms of PMS and menopause

Research suggests
that GLA can relieve discomfort during menstruation and menopause. The reason
for this could be the hormone-regulating effect of GLA on the thyroid and
pancreas.

It is assumed that
during certain cycle phases, there is an imbalance in hormones and nutrients,
which can lead to various complaints. The rich cannabis seeds can compensate
for this deficiency. Besides, the GLA inhibits the release of inflammation-promoting
substances and reduces the symptoms.  

Always
drink a lot with cannabis seeds  

Hemp seeds provide
plenty of fibre. While insoluble fibre has a positive effect on intestinal
activity, soluble fibre delays the absorption of glucose. It prevents strong
fluctuations in the blood sugar level and reduces the production of insulin.
This effect helps to maintain a healthy weight and prevent type 2
diabetes.  

With so many
health benefits, one should not overdo the consumption of the small cannabis
seeds. Like chia seeds, cannabis seeds tend to swell in the stomach and store a
lot of fluid. If the stomach is not used to a high-fibre
diet, digestive problems can occur.

To avoid
unpleasant effects, you should start small. To slowly get the intestines used
to cannabis seeds, we recommend a teaspoon per day. Adults who use hemp seeds
as a complete source of protein are considered the ideal daily amount of 50-75
grams; for children, it is 25-40 grams daily.

The higher the
daily ration, the more fluid the body needs for a balanced water balance.

And for collecting
unique cannabis and marijuana seeds, check the SensorySeeds.com online store.

5 Personal Finance Tips For Beginners

Sam Allcock
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0
5 Personal Finance Tips For Beginners

Personal
finance is an area that many people struggle with, and either have to teach
themselves or learn from a parent. This is frustrating because being
intelligent with money is so essential and can make an enormous difference to
your life, so it is undoubtedly an area that people should make an effort with.
It can be daunting at first, but once you get the hang of personal finance and
understand the jargon, then it can actually be incredibly rewarding and
satisfying to improve your situation and to see your wealth grow. Here are a
few personal finance tips for a beginner to help get you started.

1.
Create A Household Budget

One
of the main reasons that people struggle to make ends meet each month is that
they do not have control over their spending. Therefore, it is a good idea to
create a household budget, which will give you much better control over what
you are spending each month and allow you to identify where you could be making
savings. Many people use the 50/30/20
rule for a household budget, which is suitable for beginners –
this involves 50% of your income on essential spending, 30% on non-essential
spending, and the remaining 20% on savings and debt payments.

2.
Build Wealth Through Trading

It
can be hard to improve your financial situation significantly without significant
lifestyle changes, but cryptocurrency trading can actually be a fantastic way
to build wealth and boost your income. Of course, there is always a risk with
trading, but this can be significantly reduced when you use Bitcoin Profit
software, which uses an intelligent algorithm to make the right decisions at
the right team, allowing you to earn a passive income – open an account here.

3.
Make Personal Finance A Hobby

There
is a lot to get to grips with in terms of persona finance, so you will find it
helpful to make it a hobby and an important part of your life. There are many
ways to do this, such as:

  • Reading blogs (like this one)
  • Listening to
    podcasts
  • Signing up to newsletters
  • Following relevant institutions and individuals on social
    media
  • Join online communities
  • Attend personal finance events

4.
Scrutinise Every Purchase

It
is also an excellent practice to scrutinise every purchase that you make, no
matter how big or small. You should be asking yourself if you really need to
make the purchase and if you could make savings by purchasing from somewhere
else or at another time. When you do this with every purchase, you very quickly
start to save money and make smarter
decisions.

5.
Plan For Retirement

It
is always essential to plan ahead when it comes to personal finance,
particularly for when you retire. This is why you should
make sure that you understand your pension, consider what kind of lifestyle you
want to lead in later years, and set money aside for retirement.

Personal
finance can be daunting at first, but it is an important area that could make a
big difference to your life – these tips should help you to get started and
make improvements to your financial situation in the short and long-term.

Dario Item, Ambassador for Antigua and Barbuda, Sees a Bright Future Ahead for its Tourism Sector

Claire James
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Dario Item, Ambassador for Antigua and Barbuda, Sees a Bright Future Ahead for its Tourism Sector

His Excellency Dr. Dario Item, Antigua’s ambassador to Spain, Monaco, and Liechtenstein, remains at the forefront of reinvigorating the travel sector to its pre-COVID levels.

The Honourable Gaston Browne, Prime Minister of Antigua (left) and Barbuda and His Excellency Ambassador Dr. Dario Item (right)

Antigua and Barbuda re-opens

It has been about 3 months since Antigua and Barbuda had re-opened its borders for tourists. Together with other Caribbean countries in the region, it aims to maximize the remaining months of the year to regain momentum and revitalise its tourism industry. The industry had been on a strong surge up until the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. The year-end of 2019 saw its tourism figures at an all-time high. This was followed by a record performance for the sector in the first two months of 2020, right until the dreaded COVID-19 pandemic shook up the world.

Optimism in country’s tourism

Despite the magnitude of the initial damage that the pandemic has brought to the country, Dr. Dario Item remains optimistic and steadfast of its future: “Antigua and Barbuda, especially its people, has a culture of resiliency. This has been embedded in our history and the tourism department, as well as the caucus of diplomats to Europe, are positive that we are bound to exceed pre-COVID statistics in terms of tourism”, the ambassador said in an exclusive interview.  

Antigua and Barbuda welcomed visitors once again in June. The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA) and the Antigua and Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association have also launched the ‘Space Points’ Rewards Program which encourages its residents to support the economy by dining out. 

The country has once again opened the opportunity for us to visit the never-ending coasts of the majestic Caribbean. As of writing, the country is safe for tourists to visit. According to the Embassy update, there are practically no reported active cases in the country. 

Ensuring tourists and residents safety

According to Hon. Charles Henry Fernandez, Minister of Tourism & Investment, the country’s Ministry for Health, has determined it’s safe for the country to re-open its doors to visitors again. The country encouraged its would-be visitors to observe health protocols to help ensure its residents and tourists health and safety. The health guidelines aim to help ensure a safe and enjoyable vacation for its tourists and its residents.

Barbuda Pink Sand Beach, Source: Embassy.ag

This was a brave yet calculated move for the government of Antigua and Barbuda. The country’s leaders recognize the reliance of their economy in tourism and, at the same time, the risk of an increase in COVID-19 cases. The tourism department has come up with a comprehensive plan that approaches the re-opening with a balance of security and health protocols with only the good balance of compromise to the objective of visiting the tourist destinations of Antigua and Barbuda.

Its tourism workforce who are at the forefront of the tourism industry have been empowered to facilitate the new health and security protocols that would ensure a safe and enjoyable visit for every tourist. The regulations also foster a safer environment for Antigua and Barbuda residents. “Greeting you warmly and with a smile, even behind a mask”, this has become the fitting mantra of restaurants, resorts, and other tourist establishments across the islands.

The same hospitality, with boosted health and safety

Dr. Dario Item, highlights that Antigua and Barbuda is best known for carrying out diplomatic relations with its neighboring countries in the Americas as well as other regions of the world. “The country remains as a gracious host to its friends in North and South America, Europe and other continents. We have carried this badge of hospitality throughout the country’s existence and this trait will definitely withstand the duration and onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

How you can help

The positive outlook from Dr. Dario Item was supported and resounded by his colleagues in the European Caucus whose COVID-19 fundraising campaign continues strenuously. On the Embassy website, you can find information on how to support Antigua & Barbuda in this difficult moment.

The program continuously helps in deploying hygiene and health kits to essential government sectors. This move has helped support the country’s program in revitalising its tourism sectors while empowering and protecting its frontliners in effectively delivering the necessary services amid the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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