By Aabigayle McIntosh

Antigua and Barbuda is set to welcome a new addition to its vibrant tourism industry – the Yepton Antigua Beach Resort.

The construction of this luxurious hotel is scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 2024.

Despite facing significant delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the project has been in the works for some time now.

As per the Tourism Minister, Charles Fernandez, the new hotel is expected to offer world-class amenities and services, making it a highly sought-after destination for tourists from around the globe.Top of Form

“They were here last year meeting with local contractors. They have the funds to start, they brought a team down to interview me because the Marriot is a high-end property, and that brand is high-end end so there are a number of things that they have to do,” Fernandez said.

The development will include a spa, a center for wellness, and other amenities.

“It’s going to be around 150 rooms and when you consider some will be deluxe and a little bit under that, they are all considered above average. We are looking for about 4 to 5 stars,” the minister added.

The minister is worried that the country might not have enough construction and hotel workers to meet the needs of the upcoming projects and developments.

However, he notes that ongoing initiatives such as the Royalton Sheik and the PLH project on Barbuda will be finished around the start of this new project, which could potentially reduce the shortage of manpower.