Tourism Minister Charles Fernandez says Antigua and Barbuda is moving to broaden its tourism base beyond its traditional markets, with new efforts aimed at Africa, the Middle East and Latin America.

Speaking during a “Know Your Candidate” interview ahead of the April 30 general election, Fernandez outlined plans to deepen airlift and attract high-end visitors from emerging markets, while strengthening the country’s position as a regional hub.

“I think what we need to do now, and we have started it, is to look at other source markets apart from the US, UK, Canada,” Fernandez said, pointing to ongoing discussions with Emirates for potential service.

He said the government is working toward securing flights from Dubai, noting that the move could open access to wealthy travellers in the Middle East and beyond. “We are engaged with Emirates Airlines and we will have three flights in 2027 per week coming out of Dubai,” he said.

Fernandez added that the strategy also includes exploring connections with Africa and expanding reach into Latin America, not only for tourism but also for trade.

“There are a lot of very, very wealthy people in Africa, the Middle East, and so on, and Antigua has now positioned itself as a high-end destination,” he said.

Beyond passenger travel, Fernandez said the government is also planning upgrades to cargo infrastructure at the airport, including expanded storage and refrigeration facilities, to support increased trade flows.

He explained that the broader vision is to transform Antigua and Barbuda into a logistics and transportation hub for the Caribbean, complementing ongoing developments at the port.

“We’re now looking to build out a larger cargo area… all in making the airport, just as the port is being done, a hub for the Caribbean,” he said.

Fernandez noted that tourism remains the country’s main economic driver, with hotels and a growing number of locally owned short-term rental properties contributing to employment and national income.

He said shifting travel trends since the COVID-19 pandemic have created new opportunities for Antiguans to benefit directly from tourism, particularly through Airbnb-style accommodations.

The minister described the diversification strategy as critical to sustaining growth and insulating the sector from shocks in any single market, as Antigua and Barbuda seeks to strengthen its position in an increasingly competitive global tourism industry.