New Cruise Terminal to Create Jobs and Opportunities for Local Entrepreneurs

The newly opened cruise terminal in St. John’s is expected to generate significant employment opportunities and provide space for local entrepreneurs, artisans, and creative professionals to showcase their talents to international visitors.

Prime Minister Gaston Browne emphasized the economic benefits of the facility during Thursday’s unveiling ceremony, noting that the terminal and its associated amenities will create diverse income-generating opportunities for Antiguans and Barbudans.

“It will result in more opportunities for the locals, those who are involved in commerce, those involved in the creative arts, who will perform here from time to time. And at the same time, more opportunities for employment,” Browne stated.

The Prime Minister noted that local workers have already been employed to staff the terminal, and that additional employment opportunities will arise as shops, kiosks, and other amenities become operational in the coming months.

“Already, you can see there are a number of Antiguans and Barbudans who have been employed to man this particular terminal. And with the shops and the other amenities, there will be many opportunities for additional employment,” he said.

The broader upland development project, which is scheduled for completion by July 2026, will feature retail spaces, dining facilities, and a day club with a pool, all of which will require staff and provide opportunities for local business operators.

Gasper George, General Manager of Antigua Cruise Ports, indicated that the facility is designed to integrate local entrepreneurs into the cruise tourism ecosystem. The cruise port has already issued a call for Antiguan entrepreneurs to submit proposals to operate stores at the upland development.

“Yesterday we did put an extra call for all Antiguan entrepreneurs to submit their proposals and to operate one of the stores here at the upland developments,” George said during the ceremony.

The terminal represents a significant upgrade from previous operations. According to George, homeporting and turnaround operations that began in 2022 with P&O Cruises’ Arvia vessel were initially conducted under a makeshift market tent. The new purpose-built facility, spanning more than 10,000 square feet, now provides professional infrastructure for these operations.

Antigua Cruise Ports currently employs approximately 70 people directly and indirectly. Officials expect this number to more than double once the entire upland development project is completed.

The development is part of a US$60 million investment by Global Ports Holding, which partnered with the government in 2019 to modernize and expand the nation’s cruise infrastructure.

With Antigua and Barbuda projected to welcome approximately one million cruise passengers this year—nearly double pre-partnership numbers—the opportunities for local businesses to benefit from cruise tourism are expected to expand significantly.

The Prime Minister emphasized that the government’s vision extends beyond infrastructure development to ensuring that tourism growth translates into improved living standards for citizens, including the ability to afford mortgages, provide for their families, and access quality education and healthcare.