Tourism Minister Charles Fernandez is calling on Antigua and Barbuda to move aggressively to capitalise on the strong momentum currently driving the country's tourism sector, as visitor arrivals continue to break records in 2026.
According to Antigua.news, Fernandez made the remarks during activities surrounding the Caribbean Travel Marketplace, where he attributed the nation's tourism growth to years of sustained investment in infrastructure, marketing, and public-private partnerships.
The minister signalled a strategic shift in focus, noting that the industry is no longer solely concerned with increasing arrival numbers, but with raising the overall quality and value of the visitor experience.
"We want sustainable growth that benefits the people of Antigua and Barbuda," Fernandez said, pointing to ongoing luxury tourism developments, expanded cruise operations, and increased airlift into the destination as markers of that ambition.
Fernandez highlighted the significance of hosting the Caribbean Travel Marketplace for a second consecutive year, describing it as a prime opportunity to strengthen relationships with regional and international tourism stakeholders and to showcase the destination to major travel buyers.
The minister also took time to praise local tourism workers and hospitality operators, crediting them with helping the country maintain its standing as one of the Caribbean's leading tourism destinations.
Fernandez reaffirmed the government's commitment to continued investment in tourism infrastructure, emphasising that the industry remains Antigua and Barbuda's foremost economic driver and largest employer.
