Google Street View in Antigua and Barbuda Garners Over 2.4 Million Views

Since the completion of the Google Street View project, the images of Antigua and Barbuda on Google Maps have been viewed 2.43 million times.

This makes it the first Caribbean country to have access to the full features of Google Street View.

These views represent the number of times users have encountered street-view images of the island while using Google Maps

This impressive view count reflects the significant interest in exploring Antigua and Barbuda through Google Street View.

This project was organized by World Travel In 360, in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism and the government of Antigua and Barbuda.

The CEO of World Travel In 360, Federico Debetto, and the COO, Dimitar Kunev, were connected to the government through Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to Spain, Dr. Dario Item.

Kunev shared with Antigua.news that the most significant challenge they faced was accurately mapping the extensive 1300 km of streets in Antigua and Barbuda.

They achieved this by using advanced Street View cameras, specifically the Insta 360 Titan in the WTi360 version, which was custom-modified for the task.

Google Street View is a feature within Google Maps and Google Earth that provides panoramic, 360-degree views of streets, landscapes, and interior spaces.

It allows users to virtually explore and navigate through cities, neighbourhoods, and iconic landmarks as if they were there in person, via their digital devices, including virtual reality headsets.

While on the island, the team collaborated with several popular restaurants, which allowed Google to list businesses that may not currently be on its business listings.

Now, customers can find them online and access more options when choosing providers for goods and services.

Being on Google Street View also significantly boosts the island’s tourism product, as it allows persons interested in visiting to view what it has to offer without leaving the comfort of their homes and make an informed decision.

Tourism Minister Charles Fernandez said the project provides a way for travelers to navigate the island without hassle.

“This project is a great asset to us towards marketing our destination. Antigua and Barbuda continues to recognize record-breaking tourist arrivals, and I believe that this will add to our numbers. Nobody needs to scratch their heads to navigate our roads. It is a hassle-free way to go about your stay in Antigua and Barbuda,” he said

Fernandez commended World Travel in 360 for their tremendous work on the project.

He also commended Ambassador Dr. Item for introducing the project to the Twin Island nation.

The team provided this service free of cost to the government and covered the travel, accommodation, and other minor expenses incurred.

Prime Minister Gaston Browne emphasized the importance of the technology.

“It has now exposed us to a global audience, and people will have an idea of our cultural artifacts and even the physical landscape. We believe that Antigua and Barbuda is one of the most beautiful countries in terms of their natural attributes. This is what this new technology has done. You can stay from whatever country, whatever space and explore the landscape of Antigua and Barbuda”, he said

Adding, “I am thrilled that Antigua and Barbuda was able to capitalize on this new technology and to use it to attract more tourists to our shore and ultimately to increase revenue,” he said

Browne also praised Dr. Dario Item for his efforts in initiating and promoting the project in Antigua and Barbuda. He emphasized Dr. Item’s commitment to serving as a patriotic ambassador and leveraging his position to attract investors to the island nation.

“Ambassador Item is constantly exploring avenues to introduce practical and significant initiatives to the island. His unmatched contribution to Antigua and Barbuda since assuming his position is commendable,” PM Browne added

World Travel in 360 will return to the island in the coming months to map a few incomplete roads.

The project is also expected to be copied in other Caribbean islands.