Antigua and Barbuda celebrated a record-breaking tourism year in 2024, with visitor arrivals surpassing 1.2 million—a 17 percent increase over 2023, Minister of Tourism Charles “Max” Fernandez announced. This milestone marks a 10 percent growth over the previous record set in 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Tourism accounts for 70 percent of our GDP, and approximately 12,000 jobs—34 percent of employment—are directly linked to the industry,” Fernandez stated, emphasizing the nation’s strategic positioning as an emerging Caribbean hub. He highlighted the revival of LIAT and the anticipated headquarters of Sunshine Airways in Antigua as key developments in regional connectivity.
Colin James, CEO of the Tourism Authority, detailed unprecedented airline service expansions, with American Airlines launching daily flights from Charlotte, Delta from Atlanta, United from New York, and JetBlue from JFK. The US remained the largest source market, contributing 173,000 visitors, followed by the UK and Europe (84,000 arrivals).
Looking ahead, Antigua and Barbuda aims to become the Caribbean’s culinary capital, with an expanded May culinary calendar featuring local and international cuisine. The country is also set to welcome new developments, including the Marriott at Yeptons, One and Only at Half Moon Bay, and multiple properties in Barbuda within the next 18 months.
Cruise tourism is also on the rise, with 471 cruise calls expected in 2025—a 10 percent increase over 2024. Barbuda is poised for growth, set to host five luxury cruise calls in February 2025, marking a new milestone in its tourism evolution.
