Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism industry continues to experience significant growth, reflecting a robust recovery and increasing interest in the region.
In October, this year, the total number of arrivals, including those traveling by air, sea, and yachts, surpassed an impressive 848,000.
This figure marks a notable increase when compared to the 774,000 arrivals recorded in the same month of 2019, prior to the pandemic.
Tourism Minister Charles Fernandez shared the statistics with Antigua.news, emphasizing that they are a clear testament to the dedication and hard work of the team within the Ministry of Tourism.
He praised the collective efforts of various stakeholders, including hotel operators, tour guides, taxi operators and local businesses, who have all collaborated to enhance the visitor experience and promote the twin-island nation as a premier destination.
Additionally, Minister Fernandez pointed out the significance of these numbers not only for the local economy, which heavily relies on tourism, but also for the broader recovery of the global travel industry.
The dramatic increase in arrivals suggests a strong resurgence in traveler confidence, driven by effective health and safety measures implemented by the government and tourism authorities.
This growth in tourism is also linked to increased marketing efforts and improved infrastructure, making it more accessible for visitors from around the world.
As the industry moves forward, the Minister remains optimistic about sustaining this momentum, particularly as the upcoming months see an influx of holiday travelers.
The government is committed to ongoing investments in tourism development, aiming to create a sustainable and resilient sector that can thrive for years to come.
The real reason is that I have been advertizing the heck out of the country to everyone i meet or know.