Antigua and Barbuda has recorded a 7 percent increase in visitor arrivals during the first quarter of 2026, with tourism officials describing it as one of the strongest starts in the country's history. According to Antigua.news, the twin-island nation welcomed 110,832 visitors between January and March, with each month setting new arrival records.
The figures were released during the Caribbean Travel Marketplace. Chief Executive Officer of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, Colin James, said the country had experienced "a phenomenal year so far," citing strong growth from the United States market and rising visitor interest from Europe.
James noted that arrivals accelerated steadily throughout the quarter, climbing from 5 percent growth in January to 8 percent growth by March. March recorded the highest monthly visitor total in the country's history.
Tourism officials also highlighted ongoing efforts to broaden Antigua and Barbuda's appeal beyond traditional leisure travel by targeting the meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions — or MICE — market. "This conference here is as a result of our targeting the MICE market," James said, adding that several international and regional events are currently being hosted on the island.
The government is also counting on expanded airlift and cruise tourism to sustain the momentum. Officials revealed that cruise arrivals are projected to increase by approximately 22 percent this year, supported by expanded home-porting operations and a US$30 million cruise terminal upgrade.
Luxury tourism development remains a key priority, with projects including Nobu, Nikki Beach and Marriott-branded properties either under construction or in the planning stages. The strategy reflects a deliberate push to attract higher-spending visitors rather than pursue mass tourism.
Officials further noted that Antigua and Barbuda continues to position itself as a safe and stable destination, particularly as geopolitical tensions disrupt travel patterns in parts of the Middle East and other long-haul markets.
However, James acknowledged that global oil prices and rising operational costs continue to place pressure on the tourism industry and workers across the sector.
