The first set of cruise ships indicating the return of the cruise sector in Antigua and Barbuda is expected at the end of March 2021.
Cabinet Spokesperson Melford Nicholas made the revelation at the Poat Cabinet Press Briefing on Thursday morning.
With this tight window, Nicholas explained briefly that a number of things have to be put in place before the return of these ships.
“We have to be able to complete the dredging of the harbour. Clearly, that is really preparing for the Oasis class ships so all focus is on that particular initiative. We would expect the cruise ships to return and clearly, there are going to enhanced protocols to deal with that and the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Tourism and the Port Authority are actively working on those protocols with the Caribbean Toursim Association and the other relevant stakeholders,” Nocholas said.
The cruise sector around the world was impacted significantly by the covid pandemic which saw over 3000 persons worldwide being infected onboard. In past reports, cruise ships were left out at sea with no where to dock as countries were skeptical about allowing these cruise lines to dock on their shores.
Regarding another aspect of the tourism industry flights from the UK to Antigua and Barbuda will impacted due to the most rceent lockdown due to a spike in covid cases.
British Airways will discontinue their flights almost immediately, adversely affecting hotel reservations and accommodations. This decision by the U.K. is likely to result in a reduction of employed hotel staff and other fall-off in commerce.
Virgin Atlantic will however continue to have flights to Antigua, though it is not possible to determine how long for, and if they will be further reduced.
