Tourism Minister Charles Fernandez has declared the sector the "driving force behind the Renaissance" as the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party unveiled its 2026 manifesto, positioning tourism at the centre of the country's long-term economic strategy.
According to Antigua.news, Fernandez used the manifesto launch to outline an ambitious growth agenda, emphasising tourism's role in employment, national development, and foreign investment — describing it as far more than a conventional industry.
"Tourism is not merely an industry… it is the lifeblood of our economy. It is the engine of growth, the foundation of thousands of livelihoods, and one of the strongest pillars supporting our national development," Fernandez said.
The minister pointed to the sector's strong recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic, stating that the country has not only recovered lost ground but surpassed pre-pandemic performance in several areas. He cited February alone recording more than 35,000 air arrivals, while the cruise sector has welcomed over 800,000 passengers during the current season.
"These are not small numbers. These are powerful indicators of the confidence in Antigua and Barbuda," Fernandez stressed.
BILLIONS IN TOURISM INVESTMENT
Fernandez outlined approximately US$1.5 billion in tourism-related investment expected over the next two to three years. Major projects in the pipeline include the US$465 million One & Only development at Half Moon Bay, the US$400 million Nikki Beach residences, the US$40 million Buckingham Beach project, a new Marriott hotel at Yepton Beach, US$55 million in upgrades to VC Bird International Airport, a US$40 million waterfront development, and a US$23 million local brewery venture.
"These represent unprecedented investment in scale and impact," Fernandez said, adding that the projects will generate construction jobs, long-term employment, and expanded opportunities for local businesses.
CRUISE AND AIRLIFT EXPANSION
Fernandez also highlighted significant improvements in cruise infrastructure, noting that Antigua and Barbuda can now accommodate up to five of the world's largest cruise ships simultaneously. He said cruise arrivals have grown from just over 500,000 passengers in 2013 to well over one million today.
"Tourism is jobs for people. It is income for families. It is opportunity for entrepreneurs," he said, referencing direct benefits for taxi drivers, hotel workers, vendors, and small business operators.
GLOBAL EVENTS AND ECONOMIC DIVERSIFICATION
Beyond traditional tourism, Fernandez highlighted the country's growing profile as a destination for major international events. He confirmed that Antigua and Barbuda will host both the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association Marketplace and the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in 2026.
"These events do more than fill hotel rooms. They elevate our global profile, strengthen our diplomacy, support small businesses, and expand economic activity year-round," he said.
FOCUS ON INCLUSIVE GROWTH
Fernandez made clear that the government's vision extends beyond raw visitor numbers. He emphasised that the benefits of tourism must be distributed broadly across communities rather than concentrated in select areas.
"We are ensuring that the gains from tourism are not concentrated in a few places, but are shared across communities throughout this country," he said.
He added that future plans will focus on building a more diversified, resilient, and sustainable sector capable of withstanding global disruptions while delivering lasting opportunities for citizens.
Framing the government's approach as forward-looking rather than reactive, Fernandez closed with a pointed declaration of intent: "We are not managing decline. We are building expansion. We are not reacting to change — we are shaping it."
With the manifesto setting the tone ahead of the upcoming election, Fernandez left little doubt that tourism will remain central to the government's economic platform.
"Tourism has brought us this far, but vision will take us further," he added.
