The country’s cruise tourism sector marked a milestone yesterday with the groundbreaking ceremony for the Upland Development Project (UDP) at the Antigua Cruise Port, as officials unveiled plans for a multimillion-dollar expansion that will include new passenger terminals, retail spaces, facilities for entertainment, and restaurants featuring indoor and outdoor seating areas.
Speaking at the ceremony, Minister of Tourism Charles Fernandez highlighted the project’s potential impact on visitor arrivals.
“January, February 2025 will see over 300,000 passengers coming through for just those two months alone,” he said, noting that total passengers for 2025 are projected at approximately 900,000 from 466 calls.
In addition, the minister announced that 409 calls have been already booked, with 752,426 passengers confirmed.
Global Ports Holdings Chairman Mehmet Kutman shared the growth targets for the facility.
“I promise you we will reach one and a half million in the next five years,” he stated.
He also indicated that the company is committed to local employment, with an expected 200 construction jobs and between 200 to 300 permanent positions once the facilities are operational.
Prime Minister Gaston Browne was also in attendance and underscored the development’s broader economic implications.
“This partnership is what we considered to be a good fit with our economic policy.” He added that the arrangement has already benefited the country through the clearance of a US$30 million loan and the construction of the fifth berth.
The UDP is scheduled for completion by early 2026, in time for the port to welcome larger Oasis-class cruise ships.
According to Gasper George, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Antigua Cruise Port, the development “is designed to offer both visitors and the Antiguan community a harmonious blend of social and economic opportunities.”
The project will seamlessly connect the new facilities with the existing downtown grid, creating a vibrant environment that celebrates local culture. With this development, officials expect Antigua and Barbuda to emerge as one of the region’s premier cruise destinations.
“This magnificent expansion project will put Antigua and Barbuda at the top of the list, in my opinion, for best cruise ports in the region once again,” the tourism minister stated.
