CHUKKA Caribbean Adventures Agrees to Development in Antigua

Adventures (“Chukka”) has entered into an agreement on a new development with the Government of Antigua and Barbuda.

The company which was started in 1983 currently operates in Jamaica, Barbados, Belize, Turks and Caicos, and the Dominican Republic. Chukka is working with The Government of Antigua and Barbuda, along with the Ministry of Tourism and Investments, on a Public Private Partnership (“PPP”) to develop, manage, and operate a new historical eco-adventure attraction at Fort Barrington in Antigua. 

The project will be financed through both foreign and local investment, with 20% ownership available for local investors.

Chukka has extensive experience in developing tour products for the cruise and hotel industry, most recently through the successful PPP in Barbados at Harrison’s Cave.

The new fifth pier at the Antigua Cruise Port in Saint John’s will soon be welcoming the largest cruise ships in the world, and with it, there is a need to continue to develop some of the supporting infrastructure. 

This project will result in the creation of 50 – 75 new jobs in the construction and hospitality sector, along with additional support in the form of transportation providers, etc.

Minister of Tourism, The Honourable Charles ‘Max’ Fernandez, stated: “We are truly excited about this potential partnership between Antigua and Barbuda and Chukka.  We are always looking for world-class partners, and in this instance, based on their track-record of developing Caribbean tours and attractions, we are excited to welcome this relationship with Chukka.  This new attraction will help support the exponential growth in guests expected at the new cruise birth.”

This PPP will financially benefit the Government of Antigua, through a long-term lease commitment (remaining as Crown land) from the government, and the residents of Antigua and Barbuda directly through employment opportunities, investment, and dividends in the project, etc. and indirectly by increased taxi usage and, improved attractions to increase guest satisfaction at the port.

“Fort Barrington is an amazing historical icon that needs to be polished and have its’ story told.  Chukka, as a Caribbean owned and operated company, loves identifying our region’s natural and historical beauty and unlocking it for the world to see.  We are honored to have been chosen as the development partner for this marquee historical nature adventure attraction. We look forward to working with the Government of Antigua and Barbuda, the various Ministries, and local Partners/Stakeholders to develop a world-class development at Fort Barrington” said the company’s CEO Marc Melville.