Business
794 articles
Sandals Grande Antigua's Karen Wong Wins 2025 WOW Factor Hospitality Award
Karen Wong of Sandals Grande Antigua has been awarded the 2025 WOW Factor Award for Hospitality and Tourism, recognising her exceptional guest service and dedication to showcasing the best of Antigua and Barbuda. Organisers say her professionalism continues to bolster the nation's standing as a premier tourism destination.
Qasim Henry Earns 2025 WOW Factor Award for Tourism Excellence
Qasim Henry, owner of Antigua Inside Out, has been named the recipient of the 2025 WOW Factor Award for Transportation and Tours, recognising his dedication to delivering immersive, culturally rich visitor experiences across Antigua and Barbuda.
Antigua and Barbuda Joins Global Tax Transparency Pact with OECD Agreement
Antigua and Barbuda has signed an addendum to the OECD's Multilateral Competent Authority Agreement, committing to an expanded framework for the automatic exchange of financial account information to combat offshore tax evasion. The country joins 76 jurisdictions worldwide that have adopted the updated Common Reporting Standard rules.
Good Humans 268 Launches Summer Internship to Cultivate Young Environmental Leaders
Environmental nonprofit Good Humans 268 Inc. has launched a Summer Internship Programme to provide young people in Antigua and Barbuda with hands-on experience in administration, operations, and communications while supporting local climate action efforts. Founder Joshuanette Francis says real-world training must begin before graduation to adequately prepare the next generation of environmental leaders.
Opinion: Can Antigua and Barbuda Build a 'Made at Home' Manufacturing Identity?
A new opinion piece asks why Antiguan and Barbudan products are largely absent from regional supermarket shelves, while calling on consumers and policymakers to invest in and support local manufacturing. According to Antigua News Room, breaking psychological barriers around locally made goods may be key to unlocking the nation's manufacturing potential.
Antigua and Barbuda Named Top Honeymoon Destination in the Caribbean
Antigua and Barbuda has topped Caribbean Journal's list of the best honeymoon destinations in the Caribbean, recognised for its 365 beaches, world-class adults-only resorts, and range of luxury retreats suited to every type of couple.
ABHTA Completes Kitchen Management Training, Announces Next Course for 2026
The Antigua and Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association has wrapped up its second Kitchen Management Essentials training programme, with the next course — a Supervisory Management Development programme — set for 2026.
Windfall Tax Expanded to All Companies Earning Over EC$1M to Fund Free Tertiary Education
The Antiguan government has expanded its windfall profits tax to apply to all companies earning more than EC$1 million annually, with revenue earmarked to fund free tertiary education. Cabinet has approved the measure, pending parliamentary legislation.
Commentary: Why Jamaica's Tourism Reform Push Should Command Caribbean Attention
Jamaican Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett's proposal to replace the decades-old Tourist Board Act with a new Tourism Authority Act has drawn regional attention, with commentator Garfield Joseph arguing the reform model holds critical lessons for small island developing states like Antigua and Barbuda. The initiative, framed around the concept of "Tourism 3.0," seeks to reduce economic leakage and reposition tourism as a fully integrated driver of national development.
Only Four CARICOM Economies Ran Current Account Surpluses in 2025
Four CARICOM economies — Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, Haiti, and Jamaica — recorded current account surpluses in 2025, while the remaining ten spent more abroad than they earned, according to Antigua News Room. The surpluses were driven by oil exports, gas revenues, and remittances, while deeper deficits in countries like Suriname and Dominica reflect major foreign-financed development spending.
Antigua and Barbuda Crowned Top Caribbean Honeymoon Destination, Hodges Bay Resort Recognised
Antigua and Barbuda has been named the Caribbean's top honeymoon destination by Caribbean Journal, with Hodges Bay Resort and Spa among a celebrated group of luxury properties recognised for cementing the nation's romantic appeal. The designation highlights the twin-island nation's 365 beaches and diverse range of high-end resort offerings as key draws for honeymooners.
Antigua Carnival 2026 One Month Away as Island Prepares for Premier Cultural Festival
Antigua Carnival 2026 is one month away, with the twin-island nation set to host eleven days of music, mas and cultural celebration from July 25 to August 4 under the theme "Feel the Rhythm." The festival will feature regional soca stars, major music competitions and a landmark matchup between Burning Flames and Triple K International.
Antigua and Barbuda Lands US$9M Grant to Build Dams and Boost Farm Water Supply
Antigua and Barbuda has secured a US$9 million grant through the CDB and FAO to fund the construction of dams, super dams, and water catchment infrastructure aimed at improving agricultural water access and strengthening national food security.
Antigua and Barbuda Secures US$9 Million Grant for Dams and Water Infrastructure
Antigua and Barbuda has secured a US$9 million grant through the Caribbean Development Bank and the Food and Agriculture Organization to fund the construction of dams, water catchment ponds and related infrastructure. The investment aims to boost domestic food production and reduce farmers' dependence on expensive desalinated water.
Government Commits EC$40 Million to Public-Private Hotel Development at Yepton's
The Antiguan government has approved a public-private partnership to build a beachfront hotel at Yepton's, committing up to EC$40 million alongside private investors and Citizenship by Investment funding. The initiative forms part of Cabinet's stated policy of increasing local ownership in the country's tourism sector.
Cabinet Approves EC$60M Public-Private Hotel Development at Yeptons Beach
Cabinet has approved a public-private partnership to develop a new beachfront hotel at Yeptons on approximately 15 acres, with the Government committing up to EC$40 million alongside a local investor who has already pledged EC$20 million. The project aims to increase local ownership in Antigua and Barbuda's tourism sector.
Government Hires International Firm for Fort James Beach Coastal Assessment
The government has approved the hiring of Smith Warner International Limited to conduct a coastal assessment and preliminary engineering design for Fort James Beach, as the Fort James Renaissance Park redevelopment moves forward. The overall project is expected to cost hundreds of millions of dollars, funded through government investment and public-private partnerships.
APUA Head Office Closes Temporarily Due to Emergency Circumstances
APUA's ABC Centre Head Office has been forced to close temporarily due to an emergency, suspending Customer Service, Bill Payment, and Information Centre services. The 211, 311, and 411 lines are currently unavailable while teams work to restore operations.
Antigua Carnival 2026 One Month Away as Organisers Count Down to 'Feel the Rhythm'
Antigua Carnival 2026 is one month away, running July 25 to August 4 under the theme "Feel the Rhythm," with a packed programme of soca, steelpan, calypso and headline regional performers. Organisers are urging travellers to book early as excitement builds ahead of the Caribbean's Greatest Summer Festival.
Jamaica Opposition MP Calls for Special Minimum Wage for Tourism Workers
Jamaican opposition legislator Damion Crawford has called on the government to introduce a special minimum wage for tourism workers, arguing that irregular hours, higher living costs, and emotional labour demands set them apart from other employees. His appeal came as Parliament approved a general minimum wage increase to $17,000 per 40-hour work week, effective July 2026.