Tourism Minister Charles Fernandez

Antigua and Barbuda has a strong pipeline of advance bookings for the 2026-27 tourism season, Tourism Minister Charles Fernandez said Friday, though rising oil prices could push up airfares.

Speaking at the Antigua and Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association’s annual job fair, Fernandez said the government is watching the possibility of oil prices exceeding US$100 a barrel. He said the country’s appeal to higher-spending travellers may help it weather an increase in travel costs.

Fernandez pointed to the planned Nov. 15 opening of Moon Gate Hotel & Spa as a source of more than 100 jobs. He also said the government wants to expand sports tourism, citing Prime Minister Gaston Browne’s indication that Antigua and Barbuda intends to bid to host the Caribbean Premier League in 2027.

The country recorded 179,943 stay-over visitors in the first half of 2026, according to figures shared by the hotel association.

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Advance Bookings Point to Strong Tourism Season for Antigua and Barbuda, Fernandez Says.