More than 12,000 people have registered for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting and associated activities in Antigua and Barbuda, Foreign Affairs Minister E.P. Chet Greene has announced.

Speaking at a public town hall, Greene said the Accreditation Department had recorded 12,426 registrations at the time of his presentation.

The total includes local personnel helping deliver the event, rather than solely overseas visitors. International participation was approaching the approximately 5,000 visitors organisers had anticipated, he said.

Accreditation covers people supporting delegations, venues and official activities across the operation.

Greene said the influx of international visitors would create business opportunities for accommodation providers, restaurants, taxi operators and souvenir vendors.

Antigua and Barbuda is preparing to host CHOGM from Nov. 1 to 4. The programme includes government meetings, four forums and cultural activities.

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: CHOGM registrations reach 12,426, with overseas participation nearing 5,000.