Antigua and Barbuda marked an extraordinary year in tourism for 2024, with a record of over 1.2 million visitor arrivals, reflecting a remarkable 17 percent increase from 2023.

This achievement was announced by Minister of Tourism Charles Fernandez.

The twin islands also recorded a 10 percent growth compared to their previous peak year in 2019, prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Fernandez emphasized the country’s strategic aim to establish itself as an emerging hub in the Caribbean, highlighting new airline collaborations.

Meanwhile, Colin James, CEO of the Tourism Authority, elaborated on the significant expansion of airline services to major markets.

The region experienced particularly strong growth from Caribbean visitors, with Trinidad taking the lead as the largest source market.

The United States remained the chief contributor to visitor numbers, bringing in 173,000 tourists in 2024, followed closely by the UK and Europe with 84,000 arrivals.

The tourism forecast also includes new developments, with Fernandez announcing additional properties in the pipeline.

Additionally, Antigua and Barbuda is set for expansion in the cruise tourism sector. It anticipates 471 cruise calls in 2025, a 10 percent rise from the 428 calls recorded in 2024.

Barbuda is set to welcome five luxury cruise visits in February 2025, heralding a new phase in its tourism journey.

Tourism represents 70 percent of Antigua and Barbuda’s Gross Domestic Product, creating around 12,000 jobs, which accounts for 34 percent of employment.