FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA CELEBRATES RECORD-BREAKING VISITOR ARRIVALS IN 2024 AND ANNOUNCES NEW INITIATIVES FOR 2025
ST. JOHN’S, ANTIGUA (February 4, 2025) – The Ministry of Tourism and the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA) celebrated 2024 as an exceptional year for tourism in Antigua and Barbuda during a ‘Year in Review’ Press Conference highlighting key achievements during the year.
According to the latest data presented at the press conference, Antigua and Barbuda welcomed over 330, 281 stay-over visitors for the year and over 823,955 cruise passengers, surpassing previous records, and the 2019 pre-covid benchmark year. The United States market led the growth in stayover arrivals, with strong performances also from the United Kingdom & Europe, Caribbean & LATAM, and Canada markets.
“Our growth in 2024 is a direct result of our efforts to strengthen connectivity, position Antigua and Barbuda as a regional hub with two international airports, expand our hotel and accommodation offerings, invest in human capital, and stay on top our game,” said the Hon. Charles Fernandez, Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation & Investment. “I want to recognise all the work that has been done by the teams at the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority and the Ministry of Tourism and to our stakeholders whose collaborations and dedication have made this success possible.”
Antigua and Barbuda saw significant expansion in airlift during 2024, with increased service from American Airlines, Delta, and JetBlue, as well as the return of Condor and the introduction of Sunrise Airways. British Airways also increased service to the destination.
The Antigua and Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association reported increased hotel occupancy in 2024, exceeding that of 2019, highlighting the growing demand for the accommodation product in Antigua and Barbuda.
The cruise sector also flourished. Increased homeporting operations led by the Antigua Cruise Port and the Antigua and Barbuda Airport Authority were noted, with further expansion expected in 2025.
CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority Colin C. James said, “2025 promises even more with the first quarter of the year, bringing increased cruise calls for Antigua and Barbuda and more airlift, with Frontier set to launch its inaugural San Juan – Antigua service on February 15, 2025.
James noted that this year, foodies will be tantalised during a new Antigua and Barbuda Culinary Month in May, which will see the expansion of culinary events to include Antigua and Barbuda Restaurant Week, FAB Fest, Food Forum and Eat Like A Local, in a move to make Antigua and Barbuda, “a new culinary hotspot in the Caribbean”.
“From an exciting Culinary Month, to celebrating the 300th anniversary of Nelson’s Dockyard, and for the first time ever – Antigua and Barbuda playing host the Caribbean Hotels and Tourism Association’s (CHTA) Caribbean Travel Marketplace from May 18 – 22, 2025 will be a packed year for Antigua and Barbuda”, remarked James.
The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority also announced the launch of a revamped destination website: www.visitantiguabarbuda.com. Digital Media Manager at the Tourism Authority Sharifa George indicated that, “The new website is modern, cutting-edge, functional and meets the needs of all stakeholders. It offers data capture, allowing for a more targeted digital marketing approach and a user-friendly interface for all stakeholders.” Unique features of the website include a personalised viewing experience, best flight options to get to the destination, and special offers listings.
Watch the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority’s 2024 Year in Review
Watch the Caribbean Travel Marketplace Invitation Message by the Honourable Charles Fernandez, Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation and Investment for Antigua and Barbuda
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For Antigua and Barbuda media enquiries, please contact:
Maria Blackman
Marketing Communications Manager
Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority
T: 1 (268) 562 7600/464-7601
E: maria.blackman@visitaandb.com
Kayla Christian
Marketing Communications Officer
Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority
T:1(268) 562 7600 / 464-7665
E: kayla.christian@visitaandb.com
ABOUT ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA
Antigua (pronounced An-tee’ga) and Barbuda (Bar-byew’da) is located in the heart of the Caribbean Sea. The twin-island paradise offers visitors two uniquely distinct experiences, ideal temperatures year-round, a rich history, vibrant culture, exhilarating excursions, award-winning resorts, mouth-watering cuisine and 365 stunning pink and white-sand beaches – one for every day of the year. The largest of the English-speaking Leeward Islands, Antigua comprises 108-square miles with rich history and spectacular topography that provides a variety of popular sightseeing opportunities. Nelson’s Dockyard, the only remaining example of a Georgian fort a listed UNESCO World Heritage site, is perhaps the most renowned landmark. Antigua’s tourism events calendar includes the Antigua and Barbuda Wellness Month, Run in Paradise, prestigious Antigua Sailing Week, Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta, Antigua and Barbuda Restaurant Week, Antigua and Barbuda Art Week and the annual Antigua Carnival; known as the Caribbean’s Greatest Summer Festival. Barbuda, Antigua’s smaller sister island, is the ultimate celebrity hideaway. The island lies 27 miles north-east of Antigua and is just a 15-minute plane ride away. Barbuda is known for its untouched 11-mile stretch of pink sand beach and as the home of the largest Frigate Bird Sanctuary in the Western Hemisphere.
Antigua and Barbuda Images: aandbtourism.fotoseeker.com
