Antigua and Barbuda announces record-breaking 2024 arrivals and 2025 initiatives

ST. JOHN’S, ANTIGUA – The Ministry of Tourism and the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA) celebrated 2024 as an exceptional year for tourism during a “Year in Review” Press Conference highlighting key achievements during the year.

According to the latest data presented at the press conference, the two destinations 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 recognize all the work that has been done by the teams at ABTA 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 home-porting 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 ABTA 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 tantalized with 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 the destinations “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.

ABTA lso 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.

The article Antigua and Barbuda announces record-breaking 2024 arrivals and 2025 initiatives first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.