Antigua and Barbuda is experiencing a notable shift in visitor trends, with regional arrivals now surpassing those from Canada.

Tourism Minister Charles ‘Max’ Fernandez credited this development to a deliberate push by the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA) to strengthen intra-Caribbean travel and tap into new regional markets.

Speaking in a recent interview, Fernandez said the change reflects a strategic move to diversify source markets amid global uncertainties, particularly in the United States.

“Travel from within the region has overtaken Canada,” Fernandez said, noting that the regional marketing campaign, led by ABTA’s Shamin Spencer, has been a key factor.

“She’s been doing a terrific job. Not just within the Caribbean, but also in Latin America and South America.”

The success of this campaign has been supported by the resumption of services by LIAT and additional routes operated by Sunrise Airways.

These connections have not only boosted visitor numbers but also re-established Antigua as a major travel hub in the Eastern Caribbean.

“LIAT is back up, Sunrise also operates out of Antigua, so it not only makes Antigua a hub — it makes it a gateway to the Caribbean,” Fernandez explained.

“We’ve seen increases from Trinidad and even Guyana. So again, hats off to the team.”

According to the minister, improved airlift is essential in maintaining momentum in tourism growth and reducing reliance on traditional long-haul markets.

With LIAT’s return and Sunrise Airways’ expansion, travellers now have more efficient options to reach Antigua from neighbouring territories.

Fernandez also praised the collaborative work between the Ministry of Tourism and the ABTA, which has increased regional visibility and generated new interest in Antigua as both a leisure and business destination.

“We’re really happy with that,” he said. “It’s all about finding other markets and building resilience in our tourism industry.”

The regional focus is part of Antigua and Barbuda’s broader tourism strategy, which also includes infrastructure upgrades at ports and the airport, efforts to boost homeporting, and encouraging local investment in tourism services.

This article was written with support from AI.