Tourism Minister Charles “Max” Fernandez has hailed the partnership between the Government of Antigua and Barbuda and Global Ports Holding Ltd. (GPH), describing it as a transformative step in the country’s cruise tourism development.

Speaking at last Saturday’s grand opening of the new cruise terminal on Lower Newgate Street, Minister Fernandez said the collaboration with GPH and Antigua Cruise Port (ACP) has reshaped the nation’s cruise product by bringing global expertise, operational excellence, and a clear long-term vision.

From the outset, he noted, the partners demonstrated a strong understanding of what a modern cruise destination requires — efficiency, guest-focused services, commercial vibrancy, and meaningful integration with the local economy.

“Antigua Cruise Port has become more than just a physical facility,” the minister said. “It is now a platform that links cruise passengers directly to our people, our culture, our entrepreneurs, and our communities.”

Government officials and stakeholders celebrate the unveiling of the state-of-the-art cruise terminal

Fernandez recalled that when the government entered into the agreement in 2019, the decision followed careful consideration at a time when Antigua and Barbuda faced a critical choice: maintain the status quo or strategically position the country for the future of cruise tourism.

He said he strongly supported the agreement, recognising that the cruise industry was evolving rapidly and that competitiveness would require investment, innovation, and adherence to international best practices.

At the time, the minister explained, the government needed a partner with the scale, experience, and credibility to elevate Antigua and Barbuda from being simply a port of call to becoming a regional leader in cruise operations and homeporting.

According to Fernandez, Global Ports Holding provided that opportunity, and Antigua Cruise Port has since delivered on its commitments. He revealed that cruise passenger arrivals are projected to double this year compared to pre-partnership levels and the period following the COVID-19 shutdown.

The tourism minister also highlighted ACP’s conduct during the pandemic, noting that it was among the few private-sector entities that continued to pay staff throughout the lockdown.

“That decision spoke volumes,” Fernandez said, describing it as clear evidence of corporate responsibility and a genuine commitment to the people of Antigua and Barbuda. “Tourism is ultimately about livelihoods, families, and national resilience.”

He added that since then, tangible progress has been made, including modernization of the cruise product, smoother passenger flow, an improved visitor experience, and stronger integration of local businesses into the cruise tourism ecosystem.