The Ministry of Tourism and the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA) celebrated 2024 as an exceptional year for tourism in Antigua and Barbuda during a ‘Year in Review’ Press Conference highlighting key achievements during the year. Shown above Antigua and Barbuda Minister of Tourism, The Hon. Charles Fernandez reports on the 2024 tourism arrivals during the year in review press conference alongside CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority Colin C. James.
According to the latest data presented at the press conference, Antigua and Barbuda welcomed over 330, 281 stay-over visitors for the year and over 823,955 cruise passengers, surpassing previous records, and the 2019 pre-covid benchmark year. The United States market led the growth in stayover arrivals, with strong performances also from the United Kingdom & Europe, Caribbean & LATAM, and Canada markets.
“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,” said the Hon. Charles Fernandez, Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation & Investment. “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 saw significant expansion in airlift during 2024, with increased service from American Airlines, Delta, and JetBlue, as well as the return of Condor and the introduction of Sunrise Airways. British Airways also increased service to the destination.
The Antigua and Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association reported increased hotel occupancy in 2024, exceeding that of 2019, highlighting the growing demand for the accommodation product in Antigua and Barbuda.
The cruise sector also flourished. Increased home-porting operations led by the Antigua Cruise Port and the Antigua and Barbuda Airport Authority were noted, 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 this year, foodies will be tantalized with during a new Antigua and Barbuda Culinary Month in May, which will see the expansion of culinary events to include Antigua and Barbuda Restaurant Week, FAB Fest, Food Forum and Eat Like A Local, in a move to make Antigua and Barbuda, “a new culinary hotspot in the Caribbean”.
“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”, remarked James.
The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority also announced the launch of a revamped destination website: www.visitantiguabarbuda.com. Digital Media Manager at the Tourism Authority Sharifa George indicated 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.” Unique features of the website include a personalized viewing experience, best flight options to get to the destination, and special offers listings.