Antigua
and Barbuda have a reason to celebrate as the Ministry of Tourism and the
Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA) heralded 2024 as an exceptional
year for tourism during a ‘Year in Review’ Press Conference.
According to data presented at the conference, Antigua and
Barbuda welcomed over 330, 281 stay-over visitors for 2024 and over 823,955
cruise passengers, surpassing previous records, and the 2019 pre-covid
benchmark year. The U.S. market led the growth in stayover arrivals, with
strong performances from the U.K. and Europe, Caribbean & LATAM, and Canadian
markets.
Hon. Charles Fernandez, Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation,
Transportation & Investment said in a statement, “Our growth in 2024 is a
direct result of our efforts to strengthen connectivity, position Antigua and
Barbuda as a regional hub with two international airports, expand our hotel and
accommodation offerings, invest in human capital, and stay on top our game.”
He added, “I want to recognize all the work that has been
done by the teams at the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority and the Ministry
of Tourism and to our stakeholders whose collaborations and dedication have
made this success possible.”
Antigua and Barbuda also saw significant airlift expansion
with increased
service from American Airlines, Delta, and JetBlue, the return of Condor
and the introduction of Sunrise Airways. British Airways service also increased.
Hotel occupancy in 2024 exceeded that of 2019, highlighting
the growing demand for the accommodation product. The cruise sector also
flourished with homeporting operations led by the Antigua Cruise Port and the
Antigua and Barbuda Airport Authority with further expansion expected in 2025.
CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority Colin C.
James said, “2025 promises even more with the first quarter of the year,
bringing increased cruise calls for Antigua and Barbuda and more airlift, with
Frontier set to launch its inaugural San Juan – Antigua service on February 15,
2025.”
James noted that foodies will be tantalized during a new
Antigua and Barbuda Culinary Month in May with the expansion of culinary events
to include Antigua and Barbuda Restaurant Week, FAB Fest, Food Forum and Eat
Like A Local. The move sets Antigua and Barbuda as “a new culinary hotspot in
the Caribbean.”
He added, “From an exciting Culinary Month, to celebrating
the 300th anniversary of Nelson’s Dockyard, and for the first time ever -
Antigua and Barbuda playing host the Caribbean Hotels and Tourism Association’s
(CHTA) Caribbean Travel Marketplace from May 18 - 22, 2025 will be a packed
year for Antigua and Barbuda.”
The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority also
announced the launch of a revamped destination website. Digital Media Manager
at the Tourism Authority Sharifa George reported that, “The new website is
modern, cutting-edge, functional and meets the needs of all stakeholders. It
offers data capture, allowing for a more targeted digital marketing approach
and a user-friendly interface for all stakeholders."
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