Tourism Minister Max Fernandez is being credited with playing a central role in the sustained growth of Antigua and Barbuda's taxi industry, according to the President of the United Taxi Company, Ian Joseph. As reported by Antigua.news, Joseph pointed to the minister's leadership as a key driving force behind the sector's continued expansion.
Joseph noted that over the past decade, the growth of the country's tourism sector — particularly increased airline arrivals and hotel development — has translated into steady business for taxi operators, especially those stationed at V.C. Bird International Airport.
"We've had an open-door policy with the tourism department," Joseph said, highlighting the strong working relationship between taxi operators and tourism authorities. He noted that operators have been able to raise concerns and access support without barriers.
Joseph described taxi drivers as frontline ambassadors for the destination, and said the support extended by the tourism ministry has strengthened the sector's capacity to deliver quality service to visitors.
He also recalled government assistance provided during the COVID-19 pandemic, when initiatives helped ease financial pressures on drivers during a period of dramatically reduced travel. According to Joseph, those interventions demonstrated the government's recognition of taxi operators as essential contributors to the broader tourism ecosystem.
With visitor arrivals continuing to rise, Joseph said the industry remains optimistic about future growth. He emphasized, however, that continued collaboration between the tourism ministry and service providers will be critical to sustaining that momentum.
