Antigua and Barbuda is on track for another record year in tourism, with strong bookings for the second half of 2025 expected to surpass last year’s historic highs, officials said at a regional industry conference this week.
Tourism Minister Charles Fernandez noted that the first half of 2025 has mirrored the robust performance of 2024, which saw the twin-island nation and the wider Caribbean set new arrival records. “From the bookings we’ve seen both with cruise and air arrivals and even yachting, it looks as though 2025 could carry us past 2024’s figures,” he said.
Still, Fernandez cautioned that external pressures could affect performance. He pointed to uncertainty caused by a U.S. government shutdown, Antigua and Barbuda’s most important source market, and ongoing challenges with airlift. “Overnighters spend more per capita than cruise passengers, so airlift remains a very important issue for us,” he said.
To reduce dependence on North America, Antigua and Barbuda is expanding into new source markets. The government recently signed air service agreements with Qatar and Saudi Arabia and held discussions with Emirates Airlines, with hopes of eventually securing direct flights from the Middle East and Africa. Fernandez said such routes could materialize within 6 to 12 months once agreements are finalized.
The minister highlighted infrastructure upgrades as part of Antigua and Barbuda’s strategy to position itself as a regional hub. The V.C. Bird International Airport is undergoing a nearly $50 million runway resurfacing project, while Barbuda’s new international airport, opened last October, is being marketed as a high-end, low-footprint gateway for luxury travelers and private jets.
Fernandez also underscored the role of sports tourism, with events like the Caribbean Dinghy Challenge slated to draw visitors in the coming months.
Despite lingering challenges, Fernandez said the outlook remains optimistic. “We are uniquely positioned,” he said. “With our infrastructure, logistics, and diversification into new markets, Antigua and Barbuda is prepared for sustained growth in the tourism sector.”