ANTIGUA CRUISE PORT UNVEILS SITE PLANS FOR NEW CRUISE TERMINAL

The future of cruise tourism in Antigua and Barbuda just got even more exciting, as plans for a new cruise terminal have been unveiled! Antigua Cruise Port (ACP), operated by Global Ports Holding (GPH), the world’s largest cruise port operator, officially commenced construction of a new state-of-the-art cruise terminal at its fifth berth on February 10, 2025.

Mr. Mehmet Kutman, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Global Ports Holding, along with senior company executives, joined Governor General Sir Rodney Williams, Prime Minister Hon. Gaston Browne, and Minister of Tourism Hon. Charles Fernandez in turning the sod on-site to commemorate this significant milestone for the cruise tourism sector.

Hon. Prime Minister Gaston Browne reinforced the significance of the relationship between the government and the company. “Now this partnership is what we consider to be a good fit with our economic policy.”

He went on to emphasize, “I can say definitively that this arrangement is working well for us; we have already benefited from a significant improvement in the product offering and at the same time we have got the capital in order to further build out the facilities here at the fifth berth and what we are witnessing today would be the groundbreaking ceremony to build out the landside facilities which will include a number of amenities to ensure that the visitor experience is second to none!”

Hon. Charles Fernandez, Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation, & Investment expressed his appreciation stating, “Chairman Kutman and his team from Global Ports Holding deserve our gratitude, for continuing to deliver on the agreement signed in 2020.”

He further remarked, “This magnificent expansion project will put Antigua and Barbuda at the top of the list, in my opinion for best cruise port in the region.”

Mr. Kutman remarked: “This landmark project underscores our deep commitment to Antigua and Barbuda, reinforcing our close collaboration with local authorities and key stakeholders. Together, we are shaping a vibrant future for cruise tourism, generating lasting economic opportunities for the community. As the world’s largest cruise port operator, GPH is proud to play a vital role in the long-term growth and success of this incredible destination.”

Mr. Gasper George, General Manager at Antigua Cruise Port joined Mr. Kutman in celebrating this historic event. “The highly anticipated ‘Upland Development Project’ has been five years in the making and is now set to create hundreds of jobs for the people of Antigua and Barbuda. While many of these jobs will be created during the construction phase, which is scheduled from February 2025 to June 2026, even more rewarding career opportunities will be available once the terminal has been completed.”

It is anticipated that the new cruise terminal, which will sit on approximately four acres, will significantly enhance the guest experience for thousands of homeporting and transit passengers while creating a positive ripple effect across the twin island nation. It will boast a wide array of amenities including food and beverage, retail shops, a bazaar, a park with an ice cream parlour and the highly touted Antigua Day Club, complete with a swimming pool, restaurant, and bar.

“This undertaking represents a massive economic boost for our community with a substantial multi-million-dollar investment being undertaken by GPH,” Mr. George continued.  “We remain committed to “Unlocking Quay Opportunities” for the people of Antigua and Barbuda”