2024 to see Surge in Private Sector Investments in the Tourism Sector

PRESS RELEASE

Prime Minister the Hon. Gaston Browne has announced that 2024 will see a surge in hotel projects which is expected to offer magnificent options for travelers seeking luxury, tranquility and eco-friendly properties.

“Work continued on the unparalleled Peace Love and Happiness (PLH) project in Barbuda, which is transforming the landscape of the island and contributing significantly to the economic upliftment of its people.  Over US$700 million has already been spent on this development and a further US$200 million should be spent in 2024.

There are four hundred and forty persons employed full-time on this development, inclusive of 260 Barbudans,” Prime Minister stated in his Budget presentation.

The country’s  leader stated that over three hundred and sixty contractors, including 160 Barbudan contractors, are working on the project and various spin-off business and projects.  It is reported that for the Winter Season that twenty-four of the residential luxury properties will be completed and more than two hundred guests will vacation at the resort.

“The Antigua and Barbuda Airport Authority is working assiduously to ensure the airport meets all regulatory requirements, so that an anticipated 30 private jets, can start arriving directly on Barbuda before the end of the year,” Prime Minister Browne revealed.

In addition, activity on the US$250 million Paradise Found project, also on Barbuda, is intensifying and will further expand employment opportunities for Antiguans and Barbudans in 2024.   The principals of this project have also completed expansion of the renowned Nobu Barbuda, thereby doubling the size of the oceanside restaurant and lounge located on Princess Diana Beach.

Prime Minister Browne also announced that Sunwing International’s Royalton Chic at the site of the former Halcyon Cove is near completion.  It boasts 235 rooms, a number of suites and over-water bungalows and is set to open in April 2024.

Development of this 5-star all-inclusive resort and spa provided hundreds of jobs during the construction phase and 800 persons will soon be employed when full operations begin in April 2024.

Other hotel projects include the renovation of the 400 room Jolly Beach Resort, construction of 12 additional units at Hammock Cove, the development of a 30-room wellness spa at Mango Bay, a US$15 expansion of Hermitage Bay hotel,  construction of a Nikki Beach Resort and residences, US$100 million expansion of Carlisle Bay Resort and the construction of a 150 room hotel near Yeptons Beach in Five Islands. (Ends)