Inside the AUA, where the SIDS conference was held. Photo Credit State Media ABS
The successful hosting of the 4th International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in May 2024, positioned Antigua and Barbuda as a premier destination for international events.
So says Prime Minister Gaston Browne, during the delivery of his national budget on Thursday gone
He recalled that the conference drew over 3,000 participants, including 22 Heads of State, and delivered the landmark outcome – the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS (ABAS).
“We launched the SIDS Centre of Excellence, which will serve as a vital hub for research, collaboration, and capacity building and ensure that targets are met, and challenges addressed with precision and purpose,” he said
Browne, who is also the country’s finance minister says the SIDS Conference significantly boosted tourism during a typically slow period, benefiting hotels, businesses, and service providers, while elevating our country’s global profile. SIDS was good for Antigua and Barbuda.
“Building on this momentum, Antigua and Barbuda has been selected to host several other major conferences. The 43rd Annual Caribbean Travel Marketplace in May 2025, for the first time in the Eastern Caribbean. This event will bring leading hospitality players for buyer-seller appointments and networking,” he said
Antigua and Barbuda is preparing to host the 55th General Assembly of the Organization of American States in June 2025.
Prime Minister Browne stated that this prestigious event is expected to attract Foreign Ministers from over 40 countries, with around 2,000 participants anticipated. This will boost local hotels and provide ongoing employment opportunities.
Additionally, the country will host the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in 2026. This biennial summit will gather 56 leaders from Commonwealth nations and is projected to be the largest conference Antigua and Barbuda has ever organized.
Close to 6,000 delegates are expected to attend the meeting and its associated events. All hotels will be fully booked, and service industry providers will be engaged throughout the event.
The extensive media coverage of these events will showcase Antigua and Barbuda and its attractions to a global audience.
Clearly, Antigua and Barbuda is gaining international respect and is rapidly establishing itself as a diplomatic center in the Caribbean.
Antigua growing signifiantly after SIDs has been such on impact on us. we have become a better acknowledged country. we have made a mark on the map and hope we continue in this.
So far so good let us hope we don’t spoil this one..
I believe hosting sids was a good thing for anu. We showed the wider world that we have the capabilities to host mega events. Good for antigua.