Tourism Minister and St. John’s Rural North candidate Charles “Max” Fernandez says Antigua and Barbuda is experiencing a strong surge in tourism, with more than 800,000 cruise passengers already recorded for the current season.
Speaking at the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) manifesto launch at the American University of Antigua Conference Centre, Fernandez pointed to the figures as evidence of continued growth and recovery in the sector.
“We’ve already welcomed over 800,000 cruise passengers for the season thus far,” Fernandez said, describing the numbers as a sign of the country’s growing appeal.
He added that the momentum extends beyond cruise arrivals, noting strong performance in air travel as well.
“For the month of February alone… we saw over 35,000 passengers arriving in Antigua in just one month by air and cruise,” he said.
Fernandez said the figures reflect a broader recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic, with the country not only regaining lost ground but, in some cases, exceeding previous benchmarks.
“Visitor arrivals by both air and sea have rebounded strongly… in many instances surpassing pre-pandemic performance,” he said.
The minister credited the rebound to targeted investments and policy decisions aimed at strengthening the tourism sector.
“This did not happen by chance. It is the result of deliberate leadership, strategic investment and a clear forward-looking vision,” Fernandez said.
He noted that improvements to airlift, accommodation and cruise infrastructure have helped position Antigua and Barbuda as a leading destination in the region.
Fernandez also highlighted the expansion of cruise capacity, with the country now able to accommodate multiple large vessels simultaneously.
“Today, our port can accommodate up to five of the world’s largest cruise ships at the same time,” he said.
He said the growth in cruise tourism is translating into wider economic benefits, particularly for workers and small businesses.
“It is jobs for people… income for our families… opportunity for entrepreneurs,” Fernandez said, referencing taxi drivers, vendors, tour operators and hospitality workers who depend on the sector.
The tourism minister said the government intends to build on current momentum, positioning the industry as a key driver of economic growth.
“Tourism is not merely an industry… it is the lifeblood of our economy,” he said.
The update comes as the government continues to promote its “Renaissance” manifesto, which places tourism at the centre of its development strategy ahead of the April 30 general election.