Gov’t assures the country can accommodate SIDS4 guests

Newly built center where the SIDS conference will be held

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With the Fourth International Conference of Small Island Developing States SIDS4 now mere weeks away, the government is making the assurance that Antigua and Barbuda can accommodate the thousands of guests that are expected to visit our shores.

Already talks are in high gear with small business owners, hoteliers, and AIRBNB property owners who will be cashing in on the opportunity that was presented to them by the government.

The government moved to this option after talks with major cruise lines fell through, partly because of the cost associated with the service that was being offered.

During Thursday’s Post-Cabinet press briefing the Chief of Staff in the Prime Minister’s Office Lionel Max Hurst reaffirmed that the country is capable of hosting everyone for the May 27 to 30 conference.

“We are certain that there are sufficient rooms and Airbnb’s available in Antigua and Barbuda. There are more now than in 2007 when an even larger crowd and an even larger visitor group was expected for the Cricket World Cup,” Hurst said.

He added that presently countries such as the United States and India have already prebooked hotels for their respective delegations.

“We are certain that we have an excess of rooms given the number of delegates that have indicated that they are going to be attending. It exceeds 3000 and several hotels have been virtually taken over by several delegations. the United States has taken over 1, the Indian delegations have taken another”.

Hurst went on to indicate that despite the fluctuation in numbers due to scheduling, Antigua and Barbuda is expecting around 50 Heads of State with 38 of them being facilitated by the US, India, and the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).

“But if 50 heads should arrive, we’ll have sufficient hotel rooms for them and we’ll have as many as 3000 delegates and other UN staff who will be present in Antigua to conduct a successful conference,” Hurst said.

Talks are also ongoing about increased airlift into Antigua as most flights are already fully booked.