Pent up demand for travel has resulted in high stay over arrivals in Antigua and Barbuda for July, surpassing pre-COVID figures the Ministry of Tourism says.
Stay-over tourism arrivals for the month saw 23,405 tourists visiting Antigua and Barbuda via the V.C. Bird International Airport.
The July 2021 air arrival figures exceeded 2019 arrivals, which during the record-breaking year for Antigua and Barbuda, stood at 23,031.
Minister of Tourism, Charles Fernandez says there has been a visible change in the travel behaviour of visitors brought on by covid-19 and the country continues to see a steady increase in arrivals during the summer months.
CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, Colin C. James said these figures are particularly encouraging in that this was accomplished in a year when Antigua’s carnival was again cancelled due to the pandemic.
Tour operators, taxis and restaurateurs have indicated that they experienced an uptake in business for July with some partners calling it the best July in years even before COVID.
“The Ministry of Tourism urges all tourism partners and stakeholders to remain vigilant and committed to the following of the covid-19 health and safety protocols to guarantee a strong tourism recovery.”
