Video Courtesy Breaking Travel News:

Antigua and Barbuda Pursuing New Tourism Markets in Middle East, Asia and Africa, Fernandez Says

Antigua and Barbuda is intensifying efforts to diversify its tourism source markets, with Tourism Minister Charles Fernandez revealing that the country is pursuing new air connections and targeting travellers from the Middle East, Asia, Latin America and Africa.

Speaking during an interview at Caribbean Travel Marketplace 44, Fernandez said the government’s tourism strategy is focused on expanding beyond traditional markets while continuing major investments in infrastructure and hospitality.

“We’re now pushing into the Middle East. We’re pushing into Asia, we’re pushing into Latin and South America,” Fernandez said, adding that Antigua and Barbuda hopes to welcome Emirates flights by the fourth quarter of next year, potentially operating three times weekly. He also pointed to the upcoming launch of flights connecting Antigua and Barbuda with Lagos, Nigeria, as part of efforts to open new markets.

Fernandez said diversification is critical in an unpredictable global tourism environment.

“It’s very important because you never know when there’s an issue in one market and so diversification is important,” he said.

The minister also highlighted Antigua and Barbuda’s growing reputation as a tourism and investment destination, pointing to ongoing developments including Nikki Beach, Nobu Barbuda, the Marriott hotel project and the One&Only development.

Fernandez said the government is also investing heavily in infrastructure to support future tourism growth. He noted that the airport expansion in Antigua will allow the country to accommodate Boeing 777 aircraft, while the expanded cruise port is expected to improve the visitor experience and strengthen Antigua’s home-porting capacity.

According to Fernandez, Antigua and Barbuda is already seeing significant growth in fly-cruise tourism.

“We have about 40,000–50,000 persons flying in to connect with the cruise ship and flying back out,” he said.

During the interview, Fernandez also promoted Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism offerings beyond its beaches, describing culture, cuisine, yachting and year-round events as major attractions for visitors.

“We say the beach is just the beginning because we have our culture,” he said, referencing Culinary Month, Sailing Week, Carnival, yachting and the country’s growing arts sector.

Fernandez said hosting Caribbean Travel Marketplace provides valuable international exposure and gives tourism stakeholders an opportunity to interact directly with global travel partners and media representatives. He also described the country’s people as its “greatest asset,” highlighting Antigua and Barbuda’s hospitality and low crime rate.