A&B records over 7% increase in first quarter stayovers
Antigua and Barbuda Tourism officials said that there has been a 7% overall increase in stayovers in the first quarter compared to the same time last year. This was revealed by Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation and Investment, Honourable Charles H. Fernández and Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA) Chief Executive Officer Colin C. […]
Black News 
Antigua and Barbuda Tourism officials said that there has been a 7% overall increase in stayovers in the first quarter compared to the same time last year.
This was revealed by Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation and Investment, Honourable Charles H. Fernández and Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA) Chief Executive Officer Colin C. James during a press conference held at the Caribbean Travel Marketplace (CTM). Antigua and Barbuda hosted the event, during Tourism Month, for the second consecutive year activities.
The destination recorded 110,832 stayover visitors, 6,989 more than the same period of 2025.
There was consistent growth around all three months, with March recording the highest increase of 8 percent. January and February saw overall increases of 5 and 6 percent respectively.
The United States remained the single largest source market at 46 percent, followed by Europe at 34 percent and Canada, 12 percent. The Caribbean follows at 5 percent with Latin American at one percent. Other markets making up 2 percent.
The destination is also actively pursuing broadening its scope in Latin America and Africa as a response to a global trend toward visitors wanting more authentic and immersive travel experiences.
It is projected that the cruise industry will follow this pattern, with officials stating a 21.9% increase in arrivals for 2026.
A new $30 million cruise terminal opened on January 24, 2026 aims to support this increase and will be completed by July of this year.
Increased air travel has been facilitated with Sunrise Airways launching a twice-weekly service between Antigua and the Dominican Republic from May 1st. In addition, Liat Air commenced flights to Guadeloupe from May 8th. Air Peace is set to launch an Antigua to Lagos route, via Barbados, on May 25th, operating twice monthly.
The Burton-Nibbs International Airport in Barbuda has been purpose-built to accommodate flights for the island’s growing tourism sector.
Hotel advancements are also aiming to support the growth in stayovers with Moon Gate Hotel and Spa, along with the Nobu Beach Inn in Barbuda expected to be fully constructed and open later this year. When the Nikki Beach property along with Barbuda’s Rosewood Hotel are opened within the next few years, these resorts are expected to support continued growth.
