Tourism Minister Charles Fernandez is urging Antigua and Barbuda to move quickly to capitalise on strong momentum in the tourism sector, as visitor arrivals continue to reach record levels in 2026.
According to Antigua News Room, Fernandez made the remarks during events tied to the Caribbean Travel Marketplace, noting that the country's growth reflects sustained investment in infrastructure, marketing, and public-private partnerships.
The minister said the government's focus is shifting beyond simply growing visitor numbers. Improving the quality and value of the overall visitor experience is now a priority, with an emphasis on sustainable growth that delivers tangible benefits for local residents.
Fernandez identified several key drivers behind the sector's strong performance, including ongoing luxury developments, expanded cruise activity, and increased airlift capacity.
He also highlighted the significance of Antigua and Barbuda hosting the Caribbean Travel Marketplace for a second consecutive year, describing it as a valuable opportunity to strengthen ties with international tourism partners and present the destination to major industry buyers.
The minister took the occasion to commend tourism workers and hospitality stakeholders for their role in maintaining the country's standing as a leading Caribbean destination. He reaffirmed the government's commitment to continued investment in tourism, which remains one of the nation's most critical economic pillars.
