SOTIC was held in the Cayman Islands. Antigua and Barbuda, an autonomous Commonwealth nation consisting of its two eponymous islands and various smaller ones, is situated at the meeting point of the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. This country is renowned for its beaches adorned with coral reefs, lush rainforests, and luxurious resorts. Notably, English Harbour serves as a popular spot for yachting and also houses the historically significant Nelson’s Dockyard. Additionally, the national museum in the capital city of St. John’s showcases a collection of local and colonial artifacts. Collin James explained that Antigua and Barbuda is a year-round tourism destination based on sustainable principles and rich in culture and heritage.
Arrivals counted for a 16% growth for the first 7 months of 2024. With 205,004 arrivals in the first 7 months, it’s even up from the prime year 2019 before COVID that recorded 184,465 visitors. 2023 had a 176,375 count.
53% of all arrivals came from the United States, 10% from Canada. The arrivals from Europe were 25%, the Caribbean 9%, and Latin America 1%.
Cruise ship arrival was impressive with 561,485 cruise passengers landing on the islands the first 7 months this year, compared to 437,336 last year.
Hotel occupancy was 60.6% in the first 7 months, compared to 57.1% last year, but 78.3% in 2021, and 54.7 in 2019.
Airlifts remain the most important factor in taking passengers to the islands, with LIAT 2020 launching service LIAT 2020, a regional airline headquartered in Antigua and Barbuda that operates high-frequency inter-island scheduled services to 15 destinations in the Caribbean has been turning the island into a regional airline hub.
The newly built Barbuda Intl Airport (BBQ) will start accepting planes for the winter season. Also, a new cruise port terminal will welcome cruise ships.
Other investment projects:
1) A modern makeover of the VC Bird International Airport Executive Lounge was completed.
2) Royalton Chic overwater bungalows will open for sale October 1
3) The Hut, Little Jumby, a private island and restaurant will be added to the excellent culinary selection this winter.
4) Nobu Beach Inn will open in 2025
5) Nikki Beach Resort, and Spa will complete in 2028
6) Rosewood Hotel Barbuda, featuring 50 resort suites and residences will also open in 2028
The Antigua Carnival will be appealing to the millennial market.
The island serves as the yachting capital of the Caribbean with 15 events and regattas, and the Antigua sailing week on the April calendar.
Black pineapples from Antigua and Barbuda are the sweetest in the world and the Black Pineapple Award will go to hard-working travel agents from around the world. 100 of them will be invited from December 6-8 to attend the black-tie gala on December 7.
The award is open to travel agents, and tour operators who made bookings to Antigua and Barbuda between September 2023 to September 2024. Agents can log their bookings on www.antiguabarbudarewards.com
