Antigua and Barbuda is positioning itself as a resilient and ever-evolving tourism destination, with a series of initiatives and developments that ensure a prosperous and sustainable future for the nation’s tourism industry. With a renewed focus on visitor experience and sustainability, Antigua and Barbuda continues to stand out as a premier destination in the Caribbean.
Montego Bay, Jamaica – During the first day of the Caribbean Travel Marketplace 42, Colin C. James, CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, presented an encouraging report on the nation’s tourism performance and updates for 2024.
James highlighted that Antigua and Barbuda closed 2023 with a 6% increase in air arrivals compared to 2022. Arrivals reached 281,896, up from 265,119 the previous year, approaching the record of just over 300,000 visitors set in 2019.
The first quarter of 2024 has started strong, recording an 11% growth compared to the same period in 2023. This growth even surpasses the figures from 2019, the benchmark year, with an impressive 7% increase.
The new marketing campaign, called “Be,” invites visitors to be present in the moment and awaken their senses with the diverse experiences Antigua and Barbuda offers. From exploring its heritage and vibrant culture to enjoying sailing and yachting, finding peace in wellness havens, or indulging in romance in intimate settings, the campaign aims for tourists to embrace every aspect of the destination.
Celebration of the Year of Cricket Antigua and Barbuda is gearing up to welcome cricket fans for various tournaments and matches throughout 2024, including the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in June, the Fairbreak T20 Challenge Women’s Cricket in July, CPL24 starting in August, and England’s Men’s Cricket tour in November.
New Airline Connections New airlines and increases in airlift will mark 2024. Sunrise Airways will begin services on May 25 and Condor on November 5. Additionally, there will be significant increases in flights from the United States, with American Airlines, JetBlue, Delta, United, and WestJet expanding their services. British Airways will offer daily flights from the UK, while Virgin Atlantic will increase to four flights weekly in winter. LIAT 2020 will launch its service in June.
New Hotel Developments Among the new additions, Royalton Chic opened in April 2024 with 230 rooms, including over-water bungalows. Verandah Resort has transformed into an adults-only resort, reopening in November 2023 with 186 rooms. Hawksbill Resort and Jolly Beach have also reopened with renovations and new rooms. In total, Antigua and Barbuda now have 3,392 available rooms, including over 500 additional Airbnb, Bed and Breakfasts, and villa units, increasing the room count by 1,100 units.
Sustainability Initiatives Sustainability is a priority for Antigua and Barbuda, with significant investments in property renovations and facility expansions that include new luxury villas and wellness areas. Curtain Bluff has reinvested $2.2 million in the refurbishment of its suites and wellness areas, and Tamarind Hills and Hermitage Bay have improved and expanded their facilities.
Cruise Developments Antigua is on track to complete a new port terminal in 2025, solidifying its reputation for excellence in homeporting. Major cruise lines such as P&O Arvia, Royal Clippers, and Emerald Cruise Ship have scheduled homeporting on the island, and a resurgence of chartered day trips from Guadeloupe with L’Express des Isles is expected.
Colin C. James expressed his enthusiasm for these developments and highlighted Antigua and Barbuda’s commitment to offering exceptional and sustainable tourism experiences. “Our focus on innovation, sustainability, and public-private collaboration will allow us to continue growing and providing our visitors with a truly unique and memorable experience,” James stated.
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Publish date : 2024-05-27 04:03:00
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