(l-r) ABAA Interim CEO Miguel Southwell, Representative from Bigs Car rental and Permanent Secretary Sean Cenac cutting the ribbon on the expanded facility
The Antigua and Barbuda Airport Authority (ABAA) has officially opened a newly refurbished car rental and tour operator building at Terminal B of the VC Bird International Airport, with the aim to consolidate ground transportation services.
The expanded facility will now accommodate another four car rental companies, Bigs Car Rental, TG Car Rental, RL Car Rental, and Chase Car Rental with a combined fleet of 315 vehicles, transforming a decades-old space into what officials describe as a world-class hub for arriving visitors.
Representing the Ministry of Tourism at the ceremony, Permanent Secretary Sean Cenac delivered remarks on behalf of Minister of Tourism, said the facility goes beyond the physical.
“This is certainly an occasion that reflects far more than the completion of a physical structure,” he said. “It represents our continued commitment to strengthening the visitor experience from the very moment our guests arrive on our shores.”
Cenac noted that as tourism remains a primary driver of the national economy, supporting employment, entrepreneurship and foreign exchange earnings, investments of this nature are critical to maintaining Antigua and Barbuda’s standing as a competitive destination.
Representatives from the four car rental companies at the ceremony yesterday
“This project also signals confidence in the continued development of our tourism sector,” he said, adding that the expansion demonstrates planning not just for current demand but for future growth.
ABAA Interim Chief Executive Officer Miguel Southwell credited the project’s success to his team including the ABAA Board of Directors, chaired by Rolston Potter, Business Development Manager Geneva George, who served as co-project manager, Director of Operations Joseph Samuels, Operations Manager Rex Daniels, as well as the Airport Authority’s IT and accounts departments.
Nine tour operators and Destination Management Companies (DMCs) will also be accommodated in the space.
Southwell explained the rationale for bringing these services together under one roof.
“When a passenger arrives here, they need to have the facilities where you don’t see the previous congestion that you saw in the terminal, but rather you see an organised space that you would normally see in a world-class facility,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the car rental operators, the TG Car Rental representative described the occasion as a reflection of the sector’s trajectory.
“This moment symbolises continued growth, collaboration, and commitment to excellence,” she said.
Isn’t that where it used to be before? Back when the airport was at the old building