Government officials say major developments are ahead for Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism industry, with a renewed focus on sports tourism and conference tourism as part of a broader effort to diversify the sector.
Prime Minister Gaston Browne, speaking over the weekend, emphasized that while tourism remains the nation’s economic backbone, the long-term goal is to expand into new, high-value niches that can generate year-round activity and reduce dependence on traditional leisure travel.
Prime Minister Gaston Browne on Pointe FM (screenshot)
The tourism sector definitely needs fresh ideas.
Conference tourism yields higher spending per visitor. These are professionals who use taxis, dine out, book multiple rooms, and often extend their stay
If the government is serious, private sector partners will step up. There’s money to be made.
Barbuda is not for sale
Sports tourism is a smart move. When big tournaments or training camps come in, hotels, taxis, vendors everybody benefits
Diversifying is essential. Antigua can’t rely on the same beach-and-sun model forever. The competition is too strong in the region.
Conference tourism could be a game changer. It brings in professionals, corporate groups, and government delegations during off-season months. That’s steady income.
Sports tourism works well in places with stadiums, gyms, and training facilities. We need to upgrade what we have if we want to compete seriously.